OHIP - Pregnancy - 3 month waiting period

[vbmmm]

Hi,

I have a questions regarding the 3 month waiting period. I've called and emailed Service Ontario but they haven't been able to give me a definite answer. I've been in Ontario for over 5 years.In 2014, I received my post-secondary work permit and started working full-time. I waited 6 months to apply for OHIP because I didn't have any emergencies.

I started doing my PR process through Express Entry in May of last year but it was taking a very long time to get an ITA. My work permit and OHIP card expired at the end of November of last year (2016), before getting that ITA. I had applied for a student permit right before that. I finally received my ITA less than a month after that and submitted all my documents in March. My COPR arrived last week in the mail and I did my landing the same day.

My question is, because I had a health card before and I never left Ontario, do I still have to wait 3 months to get OHIP? I read on their website to you're able to get it if you're a PR applicant meets the eligibility requirements. Is this confirmed by ITA or AOR? I'm 7 months pregnant it's very urgent for me to get OHIP. Up until now, I had a private insurance through school but they don't cover the birth part.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Rob_TO]

Based on stories I've heard of people dealing with Service Ontario, they will not count any time you've spent in Ontario while ineligible for OHIP, for the 3 months waiting period. Typically applicants that were in Ontario but didn't have OHIP, always start the 3 month waiting period from date of PR landing.

There may have been a stage during Express Entry app where you became eligible for OHIP, however Service Ontario may not know the details.

So basically you need to go to a Service Ontario office in person immediately, apply for OHIP, and see if they will accept your recent time in Canada towards the 3-month waiting period. Often different employees will interpret their own rules differently. My guess is they will not and will tell you to wait 3 months, so if this happens you need to immediately contact the OERC (OHIP Eligibility Review Committee) to see if they can overturn that decision and grant your OHIP coverage earlier. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/review.aspx

Unfortunately when dealing with the OERC, if they need to investigate your situation this may take some time so no guarantee you'll have a decision before your delivery date. If you do need to pay out of pocket for medical bills, but then later learn you should have been covered, I believe OHIP will reimburse you for everything.

In the meantime I would also contact all your local Midwife offices, as they can offer pregnancy related costs and delivery costs for free or at extremely reduced rates (even with no OHIP) vs using a typical doctor/OB. IMO they are also a better choice than using a doctor, regardless of OHIP coverage. However since you're already late into your pregnancy, you may find all midwives are completely booked. Typically you need to reserve one as soon as you get pregnant.