ONTARIO — As of July 1, red and white health cards will no longer be accepted for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) services. Starting this month, individuals with red and white health cards will begin to receive letters letting them know they will need to get a photo health card at a ServiceOntario centre before the deadline.
In addition to sending multiple notification letters, the province will also advertise the final transition at all ServiceOntario locations and promote these changes on the ministry’s social media channels. Approximately 300 thousand red and white health cards remain in circulation, which represents two per cent of all Ontario health cards.
“The advanced security features of the photo health card help protect our public health system and is another measure to improve value for taxpayers’ dollars,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While there is no cost to convert or renew an Ontario photo health card, there could be significant costs by allowing red and white health cards, which could be used fraudulently, to remain in circulation. Each month, individuals using these outdated cards access up to $108 million in health services.”
Red and white card holders who do not convert by the deadline may be asked to pay up-front for insured health services, as their red and white health card will not be valid. Once a photo health card is obtained, eligibility for Ontario health insurance is restored and any payments made for OHIP-insured health services will be promptly reimbursed once a valid health card is provided. Regardless of an individual’s health card status, Ontario’s public hospitals cannot refuse to provide services to a patient who is faced with a life-threatening medical emergency.
Photo health cards can easily be obtained for free at ServiceOntario by bringing original documents, such as proof of Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status, proof of residency in Ontario and proof of identity. You also have the option of completing a health card re-registration form ahead of time or by getting one at ServiceOntario.
