Changes to OHIP card renewal a victory for seniors and people with certain disabilities: NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto—St. Paul’s) said that the government’s announcement that is extending the health card renewal deadline and promising the inclusion of the Ontario photo ID as a possible identification document for online OHIP renewal is a victory for the community and accessibility advocates. At the moment, Ontarians need to hold an Ontario driver’s license to be able to renew their health card online.

Andrew said the measures will provide some reprieve for seniors and people with certain disabilities, but the Ford government must speed up changes to photo ID requirements to end the frustration and anxiety for people who do not have a driver’s license.

“I am happy to have worked with our St. Paul's community members on fighting for a more inclusive online OHIP card renewal process, one that does not require folks to have an Ontario driver’s license. This requirement was unnecessarily forcing people who don’t or can’t drive, including seniors and people with certain disabilities, to trudge through snow and ice during a pandemic to renew their health cards in person this winter,” said Andrew.

MPP Andrew has been calling on the Ford government to make changes to photo ID requirements for online OHIP card renewal. She said it is inexcusable that the Ford government has ignored the issue, that was flagged over two years ago by the CNIB Foundation, which said the requirement excludes people who are blind, partially blind, or blind and deaf.

“The extension to renew expired health cards is also welcome, but we want to ensure that the new system is fully functioning well before the September deadline. I am again calling on the Ford government to act now and allow government-issued photo ID to be accepted for online health card renewals as soon as possible. Requiring a driver’s license reduces accessibility for seniors and people with certain disabilities, and it is discriminatory. That must change now,” said Andrew.

“The fact that it took over two years for this government to start fixing this online portal indicates that this government, like the previous Liberal government, has ignored the needs of aging adults and people with disabilities. They shouldn’t have to fight for their basic human right to accessibility ​repeatedly. Our province must be AODA compliant. It’s time for a government that prioritizes people with disabilities to make Ontario accessible and inclusive for all.”