Ontario Doctors Push for Urgent Change to Treat Uninsured Patients

UPDATE: Ontario doctors are urgently advocating for a significant shift in how they are compensated for treating uninsured patients, with potential changes that could impact thousands of vulnerable individuals. Dr. Bernard Ho, who works in a busy emergency department in downtown Toronto, highlighted the pressing issue of treating patients who lack valid health cards.

Every week, Dr. Ho encounters individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges, providing care without receiving payment. “We see them all the time. And unfortunately, we’re not paid for them,” he stated. This situation is not unique, as many doctors across Ontario report the same struggle, forced to absorb costs while treating those in dire need.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is currently negotiating with the provincial government to reinstate a “good-faith” payment policy, a measure that was first eliminated in 1998 and briefly revived during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy allowed doctors to bill for services rendered to uninsured patients, ensuring they receive payment even when patients could not provide documentation.

According to the OMA, if approved, the new compensation framework would be activated under three scenarios: for newborns awaiting health cards, for individuals eligible for OHIP but lacking valid documentation, and for uninsured patients presenting in critical conditions. This last group could include undocumented residents and uninsured travelers facing emergencies.

“Our real focus is really the OHIP-eligible. Could someone [ineligible] slip in there? There’s always a possibility,” said OMA president Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman. “We’re being very specific and very intentional … to help allay the fears that this is just going to be a free-for-all for everyone to come and get Ontario taxpayer-paid health care,” she added.

The need for such a policy is underscored by previous data. During the pandemic, 7,000 Ontario physicians provided care for uninsured patients in over 400,000 instances. The OMA argues that reinstating this policy not only supports health equity but could also save the province money by preventing more serious health issues arising from delayed care.

Dr. Ho emphasized that the policy is vital for addressing barriers to care for the province’s most vulnerable populations. “We do need to reduce these barriers to care,” he said. “They are disproportionately affected by this.” The urgency of the situation is reflected in the OMA’s ongoing discussions with the government, with hopes for a resolution by fall 2023.

While similar policies are in place in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, Ontario’s potential shift could set a precedent for how uninsured patients are treated across Canada. Advocates stress the necessity of ensuring that doctors are compensated fairly for their work while also safeguarding against potential misuse of the system.

As negotiations continue, the public will be watching closely to see how this vital issue unfolds. The outcome could mean not only a change in compensation for physicians but also a significant improvement in access to healthcare for those who need it most. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.