• Logout

Ontario

Provincial disease groups

It is usually possible to get a great deal of assistance and guidance by contacting the not-for-profit organization associated with your condition. Here is a list of the major groups in Ontario.

• Canadian Cancer Society
• Canadian Diabetes Association
• Asthma Society of Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Independent Living Resource Centre
• Canadian Mental Health Association

HEALTH SERVICES

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who make their primary residence in Ontario are eligible to receive coverage for medically necessary doctor and hospital services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Premiums for OHIP are included as part of your Ontario income taxes and range from nothing for people making under $20,000 to about $900 for households making $200,000 or more.

In order to maintain your OHIP coverage, you must live in the province for 153 days out of any 12 month period. You must also obtain a health card which includes your picture and present it to health providers in order to have your services billed directly to OHIP.

More information on OHIP eligibility.
How to obtain a health card.

OHIP covers most medically necessary services from doctors and hospitals. Elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, are not usually covered. Services from allied health professionals such as chiropractors and podiatrists are not usually covered unless they are prescribed by a doctor or provided in a hospital. Eye exams are covered if you are under 20 or over 65. Dental services are not covered unless they are provided in a hospital.

For general inquiries about OHIP, call the Ministry of Health INFOline at 1-866-532-3161. Or visit your local Ministry Office.

OHIP coverage outside Ontario

If you show your Ontario health card in another province, you will be covered for doctor and hospital services. The exception is Quebec, where doctors have a choice to bill you directly or bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), however, in the event that you must pay a doctor directly in Quebec, you can be reimbursed for the charges by submitting your itemized receipt to OHIP.

Prescription drugs from pharmacies, home care services, ambulance services and long-term care services provided in other provinces and territories are not covered.

Out-of-province medical expense claim form (requires Adobe Reader) 
If you have questions about the forms, you can find contact information for the regional processing offices along the bottom of the form itself.

OHIP coverage outside Canada

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will cover emergency services only outside Canada, and then only to the amount that it would pay for the same services in Ontario. This means that should you become ill abroad, you will very likely be facing a large medical bill that you will be asked to pay before you leave the country. For this reason it is strongly recommended to buy medical travel insurance for even very short trips out of the country.

Use this form (requires Adobe Reader) to claim your out-of-country expenses. If you have questions about the forms, you can find contact information for the regional processing offices along the bottom of the form itself.

Ontario Public Drug Programs (OPDP)

The province of Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care offers six publicly funded drug programs to its qualified residents. These programs are: the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program, New Drugs Funding Program (NDFP) for Cancer Care, Special Drugs Program, Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMD) Program, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Program for High-Risk Infants and Visudyne Program.

The Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) will cover the costs of your prescription drugs if you are eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and a member of one of the following groups:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People on social assistance (Ontario Disability Support Program and/or Ontario Works)
• Residents of homes for special care and long-term care homes
• People receiving professional home care services
• Registrants in the Trillium Drug Program

There may be a small deductible for you to pay, depending on your income. ODB only supplies drugs which appear on the provincial formulary. If the drug on the formulary is unsuitable for you, your doctor must request approval from ODB to have another drug covered.

• More about ODB
• Search the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary

If you have high drug costs that are not covered by another plan, you may be eligible for the Trillium Drug Program. You may have to pay a deductible based on your income level. Like ODB, Trillium covers only drugs listed on the formulary (unless you have submitted a request for coverage of a non-formulary drug which has then been approved by the Ministry).

• More about Trillium, including information on how to apply (requires Adobe Reader)
• Search the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
• Apply for Trillium benefits online (requires Adobe Reader)

The provincial government will pay for the full cost of certain drugs on an out-patient basis for specific chronic conditions as part of the Special Drugs Program. Speak with your doctor to find out if you are covered, and where treatments are available. More about the Special Drugs Program

The New Drug Funding Program (NDFP) is administered by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). CCO will provide about 75% of the overall funding for certain intravenous cancer drugs administered in a hospital. The remaining quarter of the cost of the drugs is paid for by individual hospitals.

• More about NDFP
• Find out how drugs are covered
• Eligibility forms for drugs funded by NDFP

Finding your way through the maze of information related to public drug programs can be a confusing and difficult process, but with some perseverance, you may get the support you need. If you have questions, you can speak to your doctor or pharmacist, or call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care INFOline toll-free in Ontario at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).

Allied health professionals

In general, OHIP does not cover costs for allied health professionals. There are a few exceptions:

• Dental procedures that require hospitalization are completely covered.
• Ontarians under 20 or over 65 are covered for a yearly eye exam. Glasses are not covered.
• Ontarians under 19 or over 65 are covered for physiotherapy services.

Ontarians not in these groups may still receive coverage if they receive physiotherapy following a hospital stay, at a Community Care Access Centre, or if they reside in provincial residential care. Recipients of income support from Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program are also covered.

Locate a...

• audiologist
• chiropodist/podiatrist
• chiropractor
• dentist
• dietitian
• massage therapist
• midwife
• naturopathic doctor
• occupational therapist
• optometrist
• psychologist

Cancer care

Cancer Care Ontario is an umbrella organization that steers all cancer care in the province. It sets up screening and prevention programs, treatment and support services and research and reporting activities. If you are receiving care for cancer in Ontario, Cancer Care Ontario is involved.

The Cancer Care Ontario website is a comprehensive resource for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

Cancer Care Ontario
620 University Avenue
Toronto, ON
M5G 2L7

Phone: (416) 971-9800
Fax: (416) 971-6888

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian men and women, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has increased funding to enable all men and women aged 50 years and older at average risk for colorectal cancer to be screened every two years through Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT), and those at increased risk to receive a colonoscopy.

See your family physician to request more information. People without family physicians can pick up FOBT kits from pharmacies or order them through Telehealth. Patients will send completed FOBT kits free-of-charge in a prepaid pre-addressed envelope to laboratories that will be used for all FOBT testing.

For more information about the program, please call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care INFOline at 1-866-410-5853 or visit Colon Cancer Check.

Flu shot

See our Flu Vaccination Guide for information about seasonal flu vaccine availability by province or territory.

Mental health care

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has a separate division called the Mental Health Programs and Services Group that coordinates and directs mental health care in Ontario. There are many sources for mental health services in Ontario:

• psychiatric hospitals
• specialty hospitals
• general hospital psychiatric units
• community mental health programs
• homes for people discharged from psychiatric hospitals
• self-help groups run by consumer/survivors
• psychiatrists and family physicians

Your doctor will be your first point of contact for the mental health system, referring you to an appropriate mental health professional where you can be assessed and a care plan created.

Mental health crisis intervention is provided through the various Local Health Integration Networks.
Or your local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2301
Toronto, ON
M5G 1Z8

Phone: (416) 977-5580
Toll-free: 1-800-875-6213 (Ontario only)
Fax: (416) 977-2813
E-mail: info@ontario.cmha.ca

Palliative care

If your doctor has identified you as a candidate for palliative care, you can usually receive care under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) from your local Community Care Access Centre. Your needs will be assessed by a caseworker and a plan for care agreed upon. You may be able to receive your care in your home, a palliative care hospice or at a long term care facility depending on what level of care you need.

Find a Community Care Access Centre near you.

The Hospice Association of Ontario is a volunteer organization that provides free palliative care and other programs to people with terminal illnesses. They operate 32 palliative care hospices all across the province.

Find Hospice Association services near you

Wait times

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has a great deal of information on health wait times in a clear online format.

Visit the Ontario wait times site.

See the article on wait times on this website for helpful advice and information on how to receive faster service for surgical procedures, certain diagnostic tests (such as an MRI) and appointments with a specialist doctor.

Workplace injuries

Ontario workers injured on the job can claim compensation from the Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario. If you are injured on the job in Ontario, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention or first aid as required.
2. Notify your employer as soon as possible.
3. If your injury is going to result in lost time at work or medical expenses that you must pay for, fill out a Form 6 (requires Adobe Reader) and submit it to WSIB within 6 months of the injury occurring.
4. Be sure to follow all instructions given to you by health professionals, and notify WSIB of any change in your medical condition or fitness for work within 10 days of learning about it.

Learn more about WSIB.

WSIB
200 Front Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 3J1

Phone: (416) 344-1000
Toll-free: 1-800-387-5540
Ontario Toll-free: 1-800-387-0750
TTY: 1-800-387-0050
Fax: (416) 344-4684
Toll-free Fax: 1-888-313-7373

Telephone support

You can call 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a registered nurse who will listen to your symptoms and recommend a course of action.

More about Telehealth.

DISABILITY SUPPORT

Assistive devices

Ontario has a very comprehensive assistive device program which is available to anyone who is eligible for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and has a long-term physical disability. The program includes oxygen service. You will usually have to share a small portion of the cost, typically 25% or less.

To receive ADP you must be assessed and referred by a doctor or health professional.

Learn more about ADP.

Assistive Devices Program
1-800-268-6021(Toll-free in Ontario only)
In Toronto, call (416) 327-8804
TTY: 1-800-387-5559

Seniors may be able to rent or loan assistive devices as part of Home and Community Support Services that they receive from their local Community Care Access Centre. Locate the nearest Community Care Access Centre.

Adaptech Research provides an online guide to affordable hardware and software assistive device manufacturers.

Dawson College
Adaptech Research Network
3040 Sherbrooke West
H3Z 1A4

Phone: (514) 931-8731, ext. 1546
Fax: (514) 931-3567

OCAD University can customize adaptive technology to your needs.

Inclusive Design Research Centre
205 Richmond St. W., Second Floor
Toronto, ON
M5V 1V3

Phone: (416) 977-6000, ext. 3968
Fax: (416) 977-9844

Employment support for people with a disability

The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services offers the following assistance to help people with a disability prepare for, find and keep a job:

• Job coaching
• On-the-job training
• Adaptive software and mobility devices
• Interpreter/intervenor services
• Transportation assistance
• Assistive devices and training to use them
• Tools and equipment
• Special clothing
• Specialized computer training
• Other items you may need for work

You do not need to be receiving Ontario Disability Support Program benefits to participate in this program. To apply for the program, contact your local ODSP Employment Supports office.

Financial support for people with a disability

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides income assistance to low-income Ontarians with disabilities. To qualify, you must have a disability that severely impedes your ability to work, and you must not be in receipt of benefits from the Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). ODSP will assist with a number of expenses, including extended medical coverage, help with child care costs, emergency home repairs and more.

Find out more about ODSP's income support.
To contact ODSP, find your regional office.

You may be able to receive up to $15,000 to modify your home or vehicle for disabled access from the March of Dimes. Get more information on the Home and Vehicle Modification Program.

HVMP
Ontario March of Dimes
Toll-free: 1-877-369-4867 (press “2” to speak with an Intake Counsellor)
Fax: (519) 432-4923
E-mail: hvmp@marchofdimes.ca
Issues/Concerns: 1-877-369-4867, ext. 7020

Home care

Ontarians can get assistance to live independently in their homes through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Home and Community Support Services. These services come in four broad categories:

Visiting Health Professional Services could include home visits from a registered nurse, occupational therapist, dietitian or other allied health professional. The professional might conduct follow-up after your surgery, help you with exercises or medications, perform general checks on your health or a number of other possible functions.

Personal Care and Support consists of visits from non-professional attendants who help you with daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, moving about or going to appointments.

Homemaking Services include light housework, meal preparation, or assistance with paying bills.

Community Support Services are offered either in your home or in your community by organizations other than the Ministry. In many cases, these services overlap or compliment the Ministry’s services. Depending on the service, you may have to play a more active role in arranging things, but your Community Care Access Centre is always there to answer questions and provide the initial contact, at minimum.

You can find a list of Community Support Services here.

All Home and Community Support Services are coordinated through your local Community Care Access Centre.

You may have to share the cost of some Home and Community Support Services.

If you have concerns about the home care provided by a Community Care Access Centre, you can call the Long-Term Care ACTION Complaint line (requires Adobe Reader) at 1-866-876-7658.

Assisted living for seniors

Assisted living for seniors breaks down into three main categories in Ontario:

Retirement homes are generally privately run apartments that are accessible for seniors and offer optional services such as meals, housekeeping and social activities. Medical care usually comes in from outside sources, such as the local Community Care Access Centre, so this option is for seniors who can usually look after their own care. Retirement homes are not subsidized by the government.

Read more about retirement homes

Supportive housing incorporates personal care, daily visits, shopping, transportation and other services into your living arrangement. Supportive housing apartments are usually run by municipal governments or non-profit groups. If you qualify, your rent may be subsidized in a supportive housing facility, and the care is funded through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Read more about supportive housing

Long-term care homes provide 24-hour care, including professional nursing and access to a doctor. There are different levels of accommodation that you can receive in long-term care: basic, preferred semi-private and preferred private. Basic is fully subsidized by the government; you must pay a co-payment for the other levels.

Read more about long-term care.

If you have concerns about the care in a long-term care facility, you can call the Long-Term Care ACTION Complaint line (requires Adobe Reader) at 1-866-876-7658.

Assisted living for people with disabilities

Ontario plans to close the last of the province’s long-term care institutions for people with developmental disabilities over the next five years, shifting the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ care focus entirely to community-based supports. There are a number of residential care options for people with disabilities:

• independent living with assistance as needed from the local Community Care Access Centre
• community living in a group home staffed by trained caregivers
• assisted living in a private family home setting through the FamilyHome program
• residence in a long-term care facility for people needing 24-hour care

All of the above options are accessed and coordinated through your local office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

The Association for Community Living is one of the main providers of assisted living for people with intellectual disabilities in the province.

Community Living Ontario
240 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 403
Toronto, ON
M3B 3S6

Phone: (416) 447-4348
Toll-free: 1-800-278-8025
Fax: (416) 447-8974

Respite

Respite services for caregivers are offered through your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). Whether you are caring for a special needs child, an elderly person or someone with a terminal illness or disability, your CCAC can help. The CCAC may arrange for a caregiver to provide care in the home, or the patient might be moved temporarily into a residential care facility if necessary. The CCAC can also link you to adult day programs.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Medical records

The Ontario law covering health records is called the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). It sets out the responsibilities of all health service providers to gather only necessary information, to keep your information confidential and to only show your information to third parties with your consent. It further empowers you to see your records with only a reasonable delay, correct errors and obtain copies for only a reasonable fee.

Read the Ontario government brochure on PHIPA (requires Adobe Reader).

Concerns about privacy and confidentiality of medical records should be directed to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Power of Attorney and other legal relationships

Please note: The information provided here is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Ontario law recognizes three kinds of Power of Attorney:

A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property has the power to act on your behalf to handle your financial affairs even if you become mentally incapable of doing so yourself.

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care can make decisions about your health care and personal care arrangements, such as where you live and whether you should receive surgery, in the event that you are unable to make such decisions. This agreement can contain specific instructions about your wishes for your care in the event that you can’t communicate or are mentally incapable.

A Non-continuing Power of Attorney does not retain the power to act for you if you become mentally incapable and is usually only empowered to act for a specified amount of time or in a specific matter, for instance, handling your affairs while you are out of the country.

It is a good idea to use a lawyer to prepare these documents, but not necessary in law. Make sure your attorney knows about the agreement and where to find the document should it be needed.

Here is a comprehensive FAQ (requires Adobe Reader) from the government on Ontario Power of Attorney agreements.

You can access forms (requires Adobe Reader) for designating a Power of Attorney online.

Questions or concerns about Ontario Power of Attorney agreements should be directed to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.

Telephone: (416) 326–2220
Toll-free: 1–800–518–7901
TDD/TTY: (416) 326–4012
Fax: (416) 326–4007

Mailing address
Ministry of the Attorney General
McMurtry-Scott Building
720 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2S9

Web site: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca

Regulatory and administrative bodies

Doctors are licenced and regulated in Ontario by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The equivalent body for nurses is the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Ontario public health care is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The public health insurance is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Community health care in Ontario is delivered through the Local Heath Integration Networks, which operate in distinct regions of the province. Care outside of hospitals is coordinated through local Community Care Access Centres (CCAC).

Assistance for people with a disability is controlled by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Concerns about privacy and confidentiality of medical records should be directed to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.