Could health premiums be coming back to Alberta?

EDMONTON – It’s been more than than four years ago since the Alberta Tories scrapped controversial health care premiums under the Stelmach government.

Since then, economic times have changed. On Monday night during a telephone town hall with PC party members, Redford was asked about re-introducing health premiums. The fact that she didn’t rule it out has some concerned.

“I think they will come back,” says Gail McDonald, “I do. Because I don’t think the government has any other choice. But I don’t want them, because I don’t think it’s good for any Albertan.”

Seniors on fixed incomes were among the most vocal opponents of the last incarnation of health premiums, which were scrapped in 2009. While some don’t mind the concept of a fee, they believe it needs to be administered differently, taking income into account.

Opposition parties point out this is about deficits, but rather, health care. The premiums used to put a billion dollars into general revenue, and would cost a family a little more than one thousand dollars a year. 

“I think this premier could come up with multiple new ways to tax Albertans. She has that on her mind right now,” says Wildrose MLA Shayne Saskiw.

Redford, meanwhile, seems to be singling out Alberta doctors, who according to a new study, are the highest paid in the country.

“Before I start asking Albertans to pay health care premiums,” she said on Monday, “I want to make sure we’re getting the best possible deal with our doctors. Because at the end of the day, I think, that’s where we’re going to start saving some money.”

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says this talk may be about preparing Albertans for tax hikes next year, but right now, it’s creating a confusing 2013.

Derek Fildebrandt with the CTF accuses Premier Redford of making contradictory statements on a daily basis.

“Her ministers are contradicting her and we have no real definitive idea.”

With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News