Spousal Sponsorship, Do I need to pay all medical bills for 3 years?

[Xavier01]

Hi, when I sponsor my wife to come to Montreal am I required to pay all medical bills & other related government expenses for 3 years after her arrival? Help is much appreciated

 

[CharlieD10]

As a permanent resident your wife will have access to all government provided healthcare and other services. You will not pay for medical bills, however, if she accesses social assistance (welfare) in the first 3 years, you will be required to pay that back.

 

[rjessome]

Hi, when I sponsor my wife to come to Montreal am I required to pay all medical bills & other related government expenses for 3 years after her arrival? Help is much appreciated

Check the residency requirement for Quebec to be eligible for provincial health coverage. Any medical bills incurred by a person who does not have medical coverage are payable by that person. And since hospitals are not private corporations as they are in the US, there is an arguement to be made that unpaid bills could be considered social assistance since the government would have to pick up the cost. There is some caselaw on this where the sponsor ended up being responsible. I'm too tired to look for it at the moment.

 

[CharlieD10]

Yup, forgot to mention that most provinces have a waiting period before new arrivals are eligible for medical coverage. ON is 90 days before OHIP kicks in, so you need to check the period for QC.

 

[Xavier01]

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so very much for your replies. It really feels so good to see that there are people who care and help by volunteering their own knowledge and time for those of us who are struggling with these complicated legal issues. Thank you so very much again!