VICTORIA — The British Columbia Health Services Commission says it has reached an agreement with a Vancouver company over allegations that it overcharged people for medical care paid for through the public system. The commission filed a petition with the B.C.
VICTORIA — British Columbia's Health Services Commission says it has reached a settlement with a Vancouver company over allegations it was overcharging patients for medical care paid for through the public system.
The commission filed a petition in BC Supreme Court last year seeking an injunction against Harrison Healthcare, arguing that a reasonable person would think paying $4,500 a year for premium service would give them priority access to health care benefits.
The commission said in a statement that Harrison agreed to address the concerns by telling patients they would not have to pay fees to the program for doctor visits if they only wanted benefits under their health care service plan.
The committee's chairman, Dr. Robert Halpenny, said he was pleased to have reached a settlement and to have the case against the company dropped.
The agreement is part of the commission's recent crackdown on overbilling by some health care companies in the state.
The company said in a statement that the settlement should serve as a warning to other companies that may offer patient-payment programs that charge fees for priority access to medically necessary care.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2024.
Canadian Press
