Changes to OHIP

A couple of months ago, I posted that OHIP was to undergo some changes which could affect Ontario residents living in Thailand.  Below is the very latest news about recent changes made to OHIP.  Most will not be applicable to Ontario residents in other countries but there is at least one that will be if you have to be admitted to hospital.

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Changes to OHIP take effect: What you need to know

Travis Dhanraj 3 hrs ago

Changes to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) are now in effect, leaving several services unfunded for coverage.

Those changes come after recommendations from a physician-led group reviewed coverage for OHIP insured services.

In August, the group delivered 11 recommendations regarding tests and procedures to Health Minister Christine Elliott.

Ontario government to scrap ineffective medical tests, duplicative services to cut costs

Elliott and the Ontario Medical Association accepted the changes.

The Ontario government insisted the updates to OHIP will improve the quality of patient care.

However several previously covered services have now been de-listed.

Some of the changes include:

De-listing imaging for most sinus problems

Loop recorders used for the monitoring of heart disorders will no longer be covered as the physician-led group claims the devices are an outdated form of technology

OHIP will continue to fund more effective testing to diagnose infertility, but post-coital testing of cervical mucous will no longer be covered

Patients who ask their doctor to remove ear wax when it is not medically necessary may be required to pay

Ontario residents will no longer be eligible for up to $400 per day for out-of-country hospital care

Dipstick urine pregnancy tests performed in a physician’s office will only be covered by OHIP when it is imperative to determine pregnancy to prevent patient harm

House calls will be only be covered for fail elderly individuals, those housebound, and palliative patients

The Ontario Ministry of Health claimed the changes will save taxpayers an estimated $83 million.

The government has posted a full list of changes on its website.