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Alberta tables private insurance option

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EDMONTON, Alberta—In response to public opposition, the government of Alberta has decided not to give citizens the option of buying private insurance or to permit doctors to work in both the public and private health care systems.

The provincial government had proposed the idea in response to escalating health care costs and a shortage of physicians, which has created long waiting periods for many procedures. Current Alberta law bars the use of private insurance to fund basic health care services.

"The decision to table the legislation follows through on our commitment," said Alberta Minister of Health and Wellness Iris Evans in a statement announcing the government's decision. "We pledged to consult with Albertans, we pledged to table the legislation. I pledge to continue the consultation and listen to what Albertans have to say about the future of health care," she said.

During March, the government received comments from more than 6,800 Albertans on the proposed health policy changes, according to a report issued Thursday by the Ministry of Health and Wellness titled "Health Policy Framework: What We Heard."

Though some Albertans agreed "that parameters need to be set for publicly funded services," many were concerned about the potential loss of their publicly funded health benefits if the reforms were enacted, according to the report.

In particular, "some Albertans are worried that a person's income level would be a barrier to accessing services," the report states.

Instead of introducing private insurance, the government has decided to beef up physician recruiting efforts to address the provider shortage.

The New Democratic Party in Alberta last year criticized the government's selection of Aon Consulting Canada to study the feasibility of introducing private health insurance in the province.