A northern Alberta senior thought she was going into cardiac arrest. The medevac cost her $29K

Fitzgerald, Alta is a remote community located more than 700 kilometres northeast of Edmonton on the Slave River, near Wood Buffalo National Park. This isolated town lacks essential services such as grocery stores, post offices, and doctor’s offices. The only year-round road out of Fitzgerald connects it to the Northwest Territories, with Fort Smith being the closest town with services and health care, just 25 kilometres to the northwest.

Beverly Tupper, a 78-year-old resident of Fitzgerald, recently faced a health care crisis that shed light on the challenges residents of remote communities encounter. In September 2023, Tupper visited the health centre in Fort Smith with an atrial flutter, a condition where her heart was beating at an alarming rate of over 200 beats per minute. Recognizing the severity of her condition, Tupper was airlifted to Edmonton for treatment, a trip that resulted in a staggering $29,000 bill.

Despite having an Alberta health care card that covers doctor visits in N.W.T, Tupper discovered that ambulances and medevacs from other provinces or territories are not covered under the current health care agreements. This left her with a hefty bill that she cannot afford to pay. Tupper’s attempts to seek assistance from various government officials have been unsuccessful, leaving her in a difficult position.

The lack of coverage for inter-provincial medical services highlights the challenges faced by residents of remote communities like Fitzgerald. Tupper’s situation underscores the need for a comprehensive agreement between Alberta and N.W.T to provide adequate health care coverage for residents who rely on services across provincial borders.

In the aftermath of her medical emergency, Tupper has explored options for year-round medical travel insurance. However, the high cost of available plans, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, presents a significant financial burden. Tupper’s experience serves as a reminder of the gaps in the current health care system and the need for more accessible and affordable options for individuals living in remote areas.

As Tupper continues her recovery and remains active in her community, her story sheds light on the challenges faced by residents of remote communities when accessing essential health care services. The discrepancies in coverage between provinces highlight the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the needs of all Canadians, regardless of their location.