Province waives waiting period for OHIP coverage

TORONTO — Anyone who needs screening or care for COVID-19 will get it.

Minister of Health Christine Elliott announced this afternoon (March 20) that Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.

Elliott also announced the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.

“The health and well-being of Ontarians continues to be our government’s number one priority,” said Elliott. “That’s why we’re working to guarantee that anyone who needs screening or care for COVID-19 will get it. In doing so, we can further help ensure we contain the spread of this virus.”

This announcement, which came a day after the province announced that residents with expiring and expired health cards will continue to be insured, was done to ensure people get screened or treated without having to worry about the cost.

The province also stated the importance of practising social distancing. It is suggested that people stay home if possible and avoid close contact (within two metres) with people from outside your immediate families.