Type of Intervention: Regulation
Sectors Involved: Health
Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Ontario Ministry of Health, Government of Ontario
Overview: The Ontario government announced a waiver of the three-month waiting period for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. The province announced they will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for those who do not meet OHIP coverage criteria. This intends to ensure that no one is discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 due to financial constraints.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html
Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat, No justification given
Evidence/Justification: The announcement cites the evolving COVID-19 outbreak globally and locally as reason to take action to protect the health and wellbeing of Ontarians. There is no justification provided for why this would be a helpful measure to take, nor who determined this.