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NDP: Rx Birth Control To Be Covered By OHIP If Elected In June

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Another party platform outlined by the Andrea Horwath and the provincial NDP.

Party leader, Andrea Horwath, outlined that if elected to lead the province in June she would make changes within weeks that would allow OHIP to cover all prescription birth control.

In a written release, Horwath said “the change will remove any cost barriers that limit people’s ability to make free choices about their reproductive health…,”. Types of contraceptives that would be included are the emergency Plan B pill, oral contraceptives, patches, injection/shots, IUD’s (intrauterine devices), rings and implants.

Currently tubal ligations (getting tubes tied), vasectomies and some forms of prescription birth control are available through the province’s health care system, and are only for those 25 and under. There are some exceptions for those outside of that age limit.

The provincial election is scheduled for June 2nd.

ontariolo

Health Card Renewal Extension

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The province is extending the time period to renew your green health card.

Ontario residents will now have until September 30, 2022 to renew their cards, either online, in person or by mail.

Expired cards (including red and white cards) can still be used to access health care services.

ServiceOntario is also taking steps to allow the renewal process to be easier for those with a Photo ID Card (purple card) in the coming months.

More details can be read here.

An individual who faces difficulties renewing their health card, for whatever reason, should contact ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY : 1-800-387-5559) to inquire about options for their specific situation.

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Out-Of Country Emergency Coverage Now Up To Traveller

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If you plan to do any travelling to another country this year, be sure you protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses.

A subsidy once offered through OHIP was eliminated New Year’s Day.

The Canadian Automobile Association’s Elliott Silverstein says it makes the need for travel medical insurance that much more important.

“Whether you’re doing a day travel to the U.S, whether you’re doing a seven-day travel somewhere to a warmer climate, the information really is very clear. You don’t have coverage unless you have travel medical insurance,” says Silverstein.

Silverstein says some may still have coverage through private plans, but he advises reading over those policies to see exactly how you are covered and what expenses you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

While some companies may give you a very significant package, some may have limited coverage in which case you may want to explore and research add-ons to make sure you’re fully covered for what you and/or your family needs.”

Silverstein says travel medical insurance is a good thing to have even if your traveling into the US for just the day.

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OHIP Travel Insurance Disappearing

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Starting January first OHIP will not cover your out of country expenses in the event of a health emergency.

Canadian insurance expert Will McAleer says, however, it could be considered “a positive” since the government would only pay up to $400.

He explains some people would travel outside the country not realizing “that would often only represent about 5 to 8 per cent of a medical emergency.”

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada official notes you get good coverage through your group plan at work or even a premium credit card.

He adds if you do not a member of a group plan you can purchase insurance for about $40 or $50 dollars for a week-long trip.