Some Ukrainian newcomers denied OHIP access
Posted Apr 8, 2022 07:45:00 PM.
Local volunteers are calling out a lack of policy with provincial emergency supports for Ukrainains.
Part of Ontario's announcement Wednesday included access to provincial health coverage for Ukrainian newcomers.
But, local volunteers are reporting seeing Ukrainins denied by Service Ontario.
A Twitter post reads, “I’ll confirm personally that the Ukrainians living with us who came through the new CUAET were denied OHIP at the Duke st. Service Ontario.”
Another post reads, “Today there were, Ukrainians fleeing war, trying to access OHIP and they were denied by Service Ontario.”
“We had some Ukrainian families going to Ontario services yesterday and they were turned away. Ontario services had no information or guidelines or anything to give them. They were unaware of this new OHIP the Ontario government said they were rolling out, ” said Steph Goertz, a volunteer with Waterloo Region Grassroots Response.
It's a group that's been meeting weekly in Wilmot to compile supports for Ukrainians.
“The problem is, they made this announcement, they didn't set any clear guidelines, they didn't set any clear dates, or even what the application process would look like. They put it out to the world, and everyone thinks 'great, it's been done.' It hasn't,” she said.
Goertz also worries a lack of clarity in the policy for Ukrainians means some people may be left out.
“The application could maybe focus on certain demographics versus others. They (Ontario) do mention that they will provide some money for people, but through the career program. Old people, seniors, single moms with multiple children, and people with disabilities can't access that money through the career system.”
As of Friday, WR Grassroots Response hasn't heard from any local MPPs.
She said, “This causes a lot of tension, conflict, and just anxiety in everyone because if they say they're going to do it, we just have no further information.”
Today there were, Ukrainians fleeing war, trying to access OHIP and they were denied by Service Ontario. Can you press go on this please? @WRGrassroots
— Lisa Weiler Haskins (@Lmweiler) April 7, 2022
I’ll confirm personally that the Ukrainians living with us who came through the new CUAET were denied OHIP at the Duke st. Service Ontario. No timeline given on when they would be eligible
— Lindsay Matthews (@Matlinds) April 7, 2022
