If you’ve still got an old white and red health card in your wallet, you’ll have to head to ServiceOntario.
The provincial government announced Thursday (Jan 9) that as of July 1, 2020, no red and white health cards will be accepted for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) services.
The government says this is a measure to protect the health care system from fraud and improve value for taxpayers.
Letters are being mailed out to those with red and white health cards, letting them know that they will need to get a photo health card at ServiceOntario before Canada Day.
If a red and white card is not replaced by July 1, patients may be asked to pay up-front for health services, and you’ll be reimbursed once a valid health card is provided.
Here’s what you’ll need when you go to replace your health card:
-Bringing proof of Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status, proof of residency in Ontario and proof of identity
-Completing a Health Card Re-Registration form ahead of time or by getting on at ServiceOntario