If you’re a senior in Ontario, you may be wondering what medical services and treatments are covered by OHIP. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of OHIP coverage for seniors, including what types of care are covered and how to access it. Read on to learn more!
1. Overview of OHIP Coverage for Seniors
Seniors in Ontario are entitled to an array of health care services covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes visits to the doctor or nurse practitioner, dental surgery if done in hospital, one-time coverage for recovery from bone fractures, and vision care coverage.
OHIP also provides between $7-16 of each visit to a registered podiatrist up to $135 per patient per year, plus $30 for x-rays.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 years and over automatically qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, which covers most of the cost for approved drug prescriptions. With OHIP coverage for seniors in Ontario, it’s easier than ever to stay healthy and get the medical care you need.
2. Vision Care Coverage
OHIP coverage for seniors includes vision care, with seniors aged 65 years and over being covered for a routine eye examination provided by either an optometrist or physician once every 12 months. For those under the age of 20, vision care is also fully covered by OHIP, including prescription glasses and visits to the optometrist.
Furthermore, individuals over the age of 65 also qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, commonly referred to as the ODB.
This provides comprehensive coverage for approved drug prescriptions, recovery from bone fractures and other medical services. With this program in place, seniors can rest assured that their eye care needs are covered by OHIP.
3. Podiatrist Visits
3. Podiatrist Visits: OHIP coverage for seniors includes visits to a registered podiatrist, which can be covered between $7-16 of each visit up to $135 per patient per year, plus $30 for x-rays. Whether it is necessary foot care or treatment for underlying medical conditions, OHIP helps to ensure that seniors have access to the care they need.
4. OHIP Coverage for One Person
OHIP coverage is limited to one person per family. When you turn 65, you will receive expanded coverage, allowing you to access a wider range of health care services.
This includes access to the Ontario Drug Benefit program, which covers approved drug prescriptions, podiatrist visits, and recovery from bone fractures.
In addition, the Comprehensive Plan to End Hallway Health Care ensures that patients with valid OHIP coverage are entitled to the insured services they need.
5. Expanded Coverage at 65 Years
At age 65, seniors in Ontario qualify for expanded OHIP coverage. This includes vision care, podiatry visits and the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, which helps seniors save an average of $240 every year.
With OHIP coverage, seniors have access to doctor visits, hospital stays, laboratory testing and approved drug prescriptions.
This comprehensive plan is designed to put an end to hallway health care while providing seniors with the recovery they need from bone fractures.
6. Ontario Drug Benefit Program
At 65 years of age, seniors become eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program, which helps cover the costs associated with more than 4,400 prescription drug products.
The ODB program can also help you pay for vision care, podiatrist visits, recovery from bone fractures and approved drug prescriptions.
With this expanded coverage, seniors are able to enjoy a better quality of life and improved overall health.
7. Comprehensive Plan to End Hallway Health Care
Comprehensive Plan to End Hallway Health Care: In order to help end hallway health care, the Ontario government has implemented a comprehensive plan that includes investments in more than 3,000 new hospital beds and the adoption of the Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care.
These initiatives are part of the government’s commitment to providing senior citizens with better access to quality and timely health care services.
Additionally, the government is also offering a Seniors Co-Payment Program and an expanded Ontario Drug Benefit Program to help seniors access the care and medications they need.
8. Cost for Approved Drug Prescriptions
Once you turn 65, most of the cost for approved drug prescriptions will be covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. If you want to know if your prescription drug products are covered by the ODB program, you can submit a Section 8 request to your local pharmacy.
If your Section 8 request is approved, you may be eligible for coverage of up to $2 for each prescription drug filled.
Additionally, if you’re a single senior with an annual income of $22,200 or less after deductions, OHIP coverage can help you pay up to $2 for each prescription drug filled.
Furthermore, seniors are also entitled to free drugs and medical supplies like allergy shots, needles, alcohol swabs, glucose test strips and more through the Fair PharmaCare program.
9. Recovery from Bone Fractures
Recovery from bone fractures is an important part of any healing process, and OHIP covers a wide range of services to help seniors in Ontario recover.
These services include fracture repair, tumor removal, strength development, joint stability and mobility, pre- and post-surgery care, and reducing or eliminating chronic pain.
For those who qualify, OHIP provides assistance from a health care professional to help manage wounds and monitor progress.
Moreover, OHIP covers the cost for approved drug prescriptions to help seniors recover from their injury or condition and reduce the broken ends of the bone as quickly as possible.
10. What Does OHIP Cover?
In addition to medically necessary visits to a doctor and approved drug prescriptions, OHIP also covers vision care, podiatrist visits, and recovery from bone fractures.
Seniors are eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit Program which covers the majority of the cost of about 5000 prescription drugs.
OHIP covers between $7-16 of each visit to a registered podiatrist up to $135 per patient per year, plus $30 for x-rays.
When you turn 65, you’ll receive expanded coverage which will help you get care closer to home. With OHIP coverage, seniors have access to comprehensive care that meets their individual needs.