Updated: Thu Nov. 19 2009 18:21:38

ctvedmonton.ca

Health Minister Ron Liepert said there needs to be more awareness by Albertans about the cost of health care.

The health minister addressed rural leaders Thursday at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties meeting and told them it costs about $30 million dollars a day to deliver health care in the province.

Liepert noted there needs to be more patient attachment to the cost of health care but said he is not suggesting a user fee or the return of health premiums, just an awareness that health care is expensive.

"I'm not suggesting that we should put a tax on health care. All I'm saying is we cannot keep our head in the sand and say there are no problems with our health care system," said Liepert.

Liepert said there are no current plans on the table and doesn't know of any existing models elsewhere that would best convey his message. 

"How can we have Albertans recognize the cost of health care?" said Liepert. "Albertans continually tell me we should pay something for health care rather than reduce services."

Premier Ed Stelmach said to make people more aware about the costs, an e-mail statement could be introduced so Albertans know how much their treatment at an emergency room or doctor's office cost taxpayers. A similar idea was talked about in the 90s, but it was later deemed too costly.

With files from Kevin Armstrong