Definition of the "Third Way"?

The "Third Way" was the former Premier Ralph Klein's name for the latest attempt to reform the health care system. In reality, there was no third way in health care. The plan expanded the role of private, for-profit health care, including legalizing for-profit hospitals (possibly foreign-owned), allowing doctors to work in both the public and private systems at the same time, and setting up a private insurance system to pay for services that should be covered by Medicare.

In 2006, the Third Way was unanimously defeated due to an overwhelming outcry from the Alberta Public.

Why was the government proceeding with their plan?

The government said that health care costs were out of control, and these reforms would curtail costs. However, there was no evidence that private health care would reduce health costs. In fact, it would increase costs for you and your family. The real motivation was to open the door to more private, American-style health care. The government has tried repeatedly to expand private health care. That was just their latest attempt.
 
Would the government plan contravene the Canada Health Act?

Yes. The Canada Health Act prohibits a number of things the government wants to do. Allowing doctors to work in both the private and public health systems and legalizing for-profit hospitals both break the Canada Health Act. Expanding private health insurance may also contravene the Act.
 
Would I have to pay for medical services directly out of my pocket?

Probably. The government tried to establish a private insurance system to pay for many medical services. You would either pay for insurance premiums, or have to pay directly for some services. Services weren’t identified, but the government had indicated that some services would be included in the new insurance scheme. You could also have the option of paying for doctor's services directly in a new private health system.
 
Would I need to buy private insurance for my family?

Probably. Your choice would probably have been between paying directly for services from your pocket or paying premiums to an insurance company.
 
What about people who aren't able to afford private health care insurance?

They would have to either pay directly or go without the service. It appears emergency services would continue to have been covered by Medicare, and therefore accessible to all, but many services would have required insurance coverage.
 
Would everyone be guaranteed private health care insurance coverage?

No. Insurance companies are notorious for denying coverage to certain categories of people ­ those with pre-existing conditions, many people with disabilities, older residents, etc. Many Albertans may be ineligible for private insurance.
 
Why would the Alberta government want to do this?

The Conservatives have attempted to introduce private health care many times before. They tried with Bill 37, with Bill 11 and with the Mazankowski Report. The Third Way was their latest attempt to introduce elements of American-style health care to Alberta.
 
Wasn’t the Third Way just about giving people more choice?

The government claims it is about choice. The real choice they are offering is between paying out-of-pocket for certain health services or going without the service. Those with money will receive fast-tracked, top-quality health care. Average Albertans will face longer waiting times and possibly exclusion from private insurance coverage.
 
Aren't health care costs out of control?

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) per capita public health care spending has been relatively stable. However, private health care expenditures (e.g. prescription drugs) have been increasing rapidly. The only out of control costs are in private health care. A plan that expands private health care will escalate costs, not reduce them.
 
Won't the government's plan for private insurance make waiting lists for surgery shorter?

The government's plan will likely increase waiting times for average Albertans. By allowing doctors to work more in the private system, and allowing more resources to be re-directed to private, for-profit health care, this will reduce available doctors and beds in the public system. This will lead to longer waiting lists.
 
Would doctors be able to work in both the public and private systems? How would that impact me?

The government indicates it will allow doctors to work in both the pubic and private systems. This means the current supply of doctors will split their time between the two systems. Experience in Britain shows that doctors prefer the more lucrative private patients, and public patients end up waiting longer for health services. For most Albertans, that would mean longer waiting lists.
 
Would people be able to "jump the line" with the government plan?

Yes. People willing to pay privately for health services will be able to sidestep the public system and get faster treatment for many services.
 
Would the government plan mean private, for profit hospitals are able to operate in Alberta?

Yes. The government planned to repeal the ban on private, for-profit hospitals. This will allow corporations to set up American-style for-profit hospitals in Alberta. The government also planned on allowing these hospitals to be foreign-owned, which means Albertans could see the entry of American health care companies into Alberta.