The Grey County Council unanimously passed a resolution on April 27, urging the province to continue a program providing funding for healthcare services for those without coverage through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
The uninsured persons program was introduced by the province during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that healthcare providers could treat those without insurance. However, the program ended quietly on April 1, leaving many without access to necessary medical care.
Heather Prescott, a nurse practitioner and clinical lead with Supportive Outreach Services (SOS), spoke to the county council about the program's critical importance for marginalized members of the community.
"The most significant impact will be that uninsured individuals will be at risk of not receiving necessary medical care," said Prescott.
SOS is a support program that provides assistance to vulnerable members of the community, including those experiencing homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. Through a partnership of local agencies and communities, the program offers hope and dignity to those in need.
Prescott explained that the program helps individuals obtain the identification necessary to access a host of social and healthcare services. However, getting the proper ID can be an arduous process for many people.
Melissa McCulloch, the county's manager of social assistance, highlighted the program's critical support last year in Hanover after a rooming house fire that impacted more than 50 people living in the building.
"They were covered because this program was going. If something like that happened again, it would be really devastating to those folks," said McCulloch.
The Ontario Medical Association recently asked the province to continue the program. In the resolution, the county council asked for the province to continue the program for six months and to hold consultations with stakeholder groups to develop new policies to ensure uninsured members of the community continue to receive medical support and services.
Heather Prescott said: "We offer hope and dignity and provide a voice to the voiceless."
