Vancouver-based Providence Health Care is suing an Australian woman for $78,383 after she was treated at St. Paul’s Hospital emergency room in November 2019.
A B.C. Supreme Court notice of civil claim filed Dec. 5 said Jennifer Jackeline Rodriguez is not a resident of Canada and not covered by B.C.’s Medical Services Plan.
The claim said the Sydney resident or her representative signed a payment agreement. She was given emergency and ward care from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5, 2019. Rodriguez was invoiced $67,520 for her care, according to court documents.
The invoice was sent to Global Excel Management, the company Rodriguez had an insurance policy with. The claim said Global paid $23,889; the insurance company said it reflected the proper amount.
The interest rate on such agreements is two per cent per month.
Under B.C.’s Hospital Insurance Act, the claim said, the government is not liable for payment of providing services or treatment to those not a beneficiary under the provincial Medicare Protection Act.
It asserts the invoice amount was computed based on rates approved by the health minister.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
