During the pandemic, Ontario allowed residents without health insurance to be hospitalized for free. Health Secretary Sylvia Jones has indicated the exceptional measure will end on March 31.
Toronto resident Rose Celeste hasn’t seen a doctor in years. As an undeclared worker, she was always afraid that a simple visit to the doctor could lead to deportation to her country of origin, the Philippines.
However, when the pandemic hit, she knew how to take advantage of it. In fact, the province had asked hospitals to temporarily offer medical care to patients without health insurance, as the government has committed to reimbursement.
This measure enabled Rose Celeste to discover at the age of 61 that she had thyroid cancer. She could be healed.
She estimates that without this provincial program, she would have thousands of dollars in debt to pay for her care if she could have had access to it.
For migrant workers like me, it’s really important, it’s crucial
explains Ms. Celeste, who is also an active member of the movement of undocumented workers in Canada.
In a report by the group released on Thursday Health network for uninsured customers – who works to provide medical care to people without health insurance – believes the provincial program has had a positive impact.
According to the organization, this measure has reduced the financial pressure on people without health insurance and improved their health.
With information from CBC
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