Hello,
I am insured under the Interim Federal Health Program. My family doctor referred me to a specialist who speaks my language.
I brought my health insurance and the forms to the doctor, and asked him to accept my insurance. However, the doctor’s office refused to take my insurance, told me that “this insurance is too burdensome”, and demanded cash for the treatment. I had to pay since I was afraid of consequences.
The amount is really huge for me.
I have heard that all Ontario doctors have to accept the IFHP insurance, and to bill the Medavie Blue Cross insurance for services before demanding cash from a patient.
Could you please inform whether this is true, or not? Is this a doctor’s duty to accept my insurance?
I could not find this information by myself.
Thank you so much in advance!
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.
It may be helpful for you to contact the immigrant and refugee serving organization to see if they can provide you with some assistance in communicating with this doctor or finding some solutions or additional options in this situation.
We can appreciate that it would be a huge amount and that you would want to know what you are eligible for.
We will update you as soon as we get any additional information regarding this type of situation.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org