Have you been illegally billed for health care services?

The BC Health Coalition wants to know how health care access in various communities impacts the likelihood of being illegally charged for health care services. 

Please fill out this quick, 3 minute survey, and let us know where British Columbians are most impacted by extra-billing. 

Take the survey

 

Illegal extra-billing is an ongoing problem in BC. A Health Canada report from March of this year showed that private providers charged BC residents at least $18.1 million in 2021-22. Most of that, $11.3 million, was charged for diagnostic services like MRIs and CT scans. 

Even if you don’t think you’ve been extra-billed, your response is valuable in mapping out where this issue is most common. Your feedback will help us decide where in the province to focus our advocacy. 

Extra-billing happens when patients are either charged directly by their health care provider for services already covered by the Medical Services Plan or charged in addition to the amounts prescribed by the Medical Services Plan. This includes all medically necessary care and services, including diagnostic services such as MRI or CT scans. In other words, extra-billing means you are paying out of pocket for health care when your care card or personal health number should have covered the bill.

Some examples include:

  • I received a bill that included a $20 “tray-fee” charge by the provider for the cost of disposable supplies like a needle during my visit.
  • I was pressured to pay $2,000 out of pocket for a more expensive cataract replacement lens.
  • I was charged $80 for a consultation with a doctor even though presented my valid care card/personal health number
  • I was charged $800 for an MRI scan following a requisition

By sharing your story with us, you will help us better understand how illegal extra-billing in BC is shaped by the levels of access in various communities.

If the button doesn't work, copy and paste this link in your web browser: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6693262/extra-billing-in-bc