In response to recent inquiries, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is clarifying that all medically necessary services are being provided to any individual who comes to the hospital sites for care, regardless of whether or not the patient has health insurance.
Hospital officials said in a press release although uninsured individuals, such as travelers from the United States, received bills for medical care prior to COVID-19, provincial direction issued in March at the start of pandemic states that all services deemed necessary by medical staff are to be provided free of charge to any patients in Ontario hospitals.
Lori Marshall, President and CEO, confirmed the information during a press conference on Wednesday.
“We had some direction provided early on, specifically in support of any vulnerable populations, to make sure that no one felt that they were being disadvantaged,” Marshall said.
“Whether they would seek care, particularly if it was COVID-related, whether or not they had OHIP coverage or not. We don’t want anyone sitting at home concerned about their ability pay and not seeking out health care.”
It was deemed necessary to not turn away any individuals seeking urgent medical care during a critical time period amid a pandemic, CKHA officials said in a media release.
This clarification is an important one to ensure uninsured individuals including those who have travelled to Canada for work in the agri-food sector and require medical attention are assured they will receive any necessary medical care without being charged, hospital officials say.
In the event an individual has been inadvertently charged for a medical service, those individuals should contact the hospital billing department, CKHA officials say.
Visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus or www.ckha.on.ca for regular updates on COVID-19.
