This bill changes Saskatchewan’s health insurance law to ban private fees for services covered by the public plan. Its goal is to keep care based on need, not on ability to pay, and to align with the Canada Health Act.
It defines “access fees” (such as membership or fast‑track fees) and bans doctors from charging them.
It blocks “extra billing” for insured services (doctor visits and other services the provincial plan covers).
It sets penalties for doctors who break the rules and lets the Minister order refunds to patients.
It requires clear, written notice to patients if anyone tries to charge privately for an insured service.
It takes effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent.
Key changes
Defines “access fees” to include any payment:
required before or after a covered service,
charged as a condition for getting a covered service,
added on top of what the public plan pays,
or paid to get faster, preferred, or exclusive access.
Bans doctors from charging or collecting access fees or any extra amount for insured services.
If a doctor knows (or should know) a patient is being charged an access fee, the doctor cannot bill the public plan for that visit.
Allows charges for non‑insured goods or medicines only when reasonably needed before a covered service (for example, a medical supply required in advance).
Lets the Minister order a doctor to refund any access fee taken.
Sets penalties that escalate: written warning; referral to the College of Physicians and Surgeons; then loss of eligibility to be paid under the public plan for a set period.
Requires anyone charging privately for an insured service to give the patient a plain‑language written notice that the service is available at no charge under the public plan, and to get the patient’s signed acknowledgment before providing the service.
You should not be asked to pay to see a doctor for services covered by the provincial plan.
You cannot be charged a fee to get faster or preferred access to a covered service.
If anyone tries to charge you for a covered service, they must first give you a clear written notice saying you can get it for free under the public plan, and you must sign that you saw it.
If you paid an access fee, the government can order the doctor to pay you back.
Doctors and clinics
You cannot charge membership, sign‑up, administration, block, or “concierge” fees tied to covered services.
You cannot charge patients to speed up or prioritize access to covered services.
You may charge for non‑insured goods or medicines only when reasonably needed before a covered service and when not otherwise banned.
If you know (or should know) a patient is being charged an access fee, you cannot bill the public plan for that service.
Penalties escalate: first a warning; then referral to the College; then a period where you cannot be paid under the public plan. You may also be ordered to reimburse patients.
Intermediaries (e.g., private service companies)
If you charge privately for an insured service, you must give patients a plain‑language written notice that the service is available at no charge under the public plan and get a signed acknowledgment before providing the service.
Timing
The changes apply once the bill is signed into law.