[The Epoch Times, June 1, 2022](The Epoch Times reporter Ji Wei in Toronto reported) The Ontario Ministry of Health has made several tweets alleging that the provincial government is chargingblood testor screening test fees, clarified that,Ontario Health Card OHIPThere are no changes to the blood tests covered.
“There are no changes to testing covered by OHIP, and the Laboratory Services Benefit Scheme (SOB-LS) may result in a patient being billed,” an Ontario Ministry of Health spokesperson told CityNews. “The Medicare Future Commitment Act (CFMA) prohibits Charges by any person or entity for covered services or access to covered services.”
The Health Department’s clarification stemmed from several tweets during the provincial election, including the cancelled “Ford’s Conservatives appear to have quietly cancelled some OHIP-covered tests, including the cost of $86 for cancer screening.”
In Ontario, most routine laboratory tests ordered by a family doctor are covered by OHIP, but some specific tests are not included and must be paid for by the patient.
LifeLabs, Canada’s largest medical diagnostic laboratory company, says the Ontario government dictates which tests are covered by OHIP. The company confirmed that the province has not made any changes to SOB-LS in the past five years, nor can they charge OHIP-insured individuals for testing that is covered by SOB-LS.
The Department of Health said patients who feel they have been charged for covered services can call the CFMA Program Reporting Line at 1-888-662-6613 or email [email protected].
Responsible editor: Yue Yi