thaihubbie said:
I had been gone from Canada,specifically Ontario for over 7 years. Having only returned 2 times in that period. I made an appointment with my old doctor, walked in with 6 month old baby in my arms that she obviously knew wasn't born in Canada, the receptionist swiped my OHIP card in the machine and I had my appointment. Go figure? Why do you think nothing came up on the computer that I had been away for 7 years? So, is it for sure that my SIN is going to have gone dormant? Is there any way I can check this before going back to Canada when my husband hopefully lands next year?
I cant guarantee that your SIN will go dormant. My Alberta Health Care number was still in the system also... they are two different processes. One is a provincial process and the other a Federal.
I dont think they knew or cared that I was out of the country... just that I hadnt used my SIN for 12 years by way of having an employer submit earnings on my behalf. That is how I suspect that the SIN went dormant- there was no employment taxes or earnings submitted with my SIN number.
As for your OHIP, that is great that you didnt have to wait... or maybe the doctors office will end up billing you when OHIP doesnt pay the claim.... its possible that it just hasnt caught up with you yet.
I dont think that a doctors office is going to refuse you service, especially when there is the possibility of coverage... just because someone isnt eligible for OHIP doesnt mean that they cant see a doctor, it just means that they might have to pay.
How did the doctors office know that your baby obviously wasnt born in Canada?
You could probably contact Service Canada by phone or email and see if they will give you information. That is what I would do. I just dont know if you can reactivate while you are out of the country. If you call and find out would you let me know...I am curious!
