Some of Alberta's physicians may be eligible for some funding

In December, the Alberta Government announced that they have committed to spending $200 million over two-years to help stabilize our primary health care.

Just yesterday (April 4), they sent out a media release stating that of the $200 million that was provided to the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) in December, $92 million will be distributed to family physicians and rural generalists.

"We heard what primary care physicians told us about the challenges they are facing, and we’ve taken action to address those challenges," explained the Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange in the media release. "Alberta’s government is pleased to provide this one-time funding to support family physicians and rural generalists until a new physician comprehensive care model is introduced."

There are approximately 3,000 eligible family doctors in the province who can receive transition funding ranging between $24,000 to $40,000.

The amount each physician receives depends on the number of patients they have, and this one-time payment will help cover administrative and equipment costs until a new compensation model is in place.

"We are grateful that this funding will help family and rural generalist physicians remain in comprehensive, life-long care as we move to the next phase of collaboration with the minister and her team," said Dr. Paul Parks, AMA President. "For this stabilization investment to reap benefits for Albertans, we must rapidly implement the new payment model that will allow comprehensive care to flourish across the province."

This funding came from the new Canada-Alberta Health Funding Agreement with the federal government, which represents a total of roughly $1.1 billion in additional healthcare funding for shared priorities over a three-year period.