Ontario Residents: OHIP denying coverage for 3 months to newly adopted kids

[panda2004]

I found this on the Blue Cross site. Look below the pictures on the right side of the page at the wording in read.
http://www.travel-insured.ca/#/foreignadoption/4525055278

[ChristyCanuck]

Panda -- Thanks so much! I can't believe Blue Cross is on this whole mess so fast. Man, if Blue Cross says so, we all know it's happening. 

[ChristyCanuck]

A new Yahoo group has been created as a place where the different communities (China families, Ethiopia families, Viet Nam families, etc.) can keep up to date on this important issue.

The site can be found here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OHIPDenialOntario

[ChristyCanuck]

Forgot to mention, Donna and Brad have posted their daughter's OHIP denial letter on the Yahoo group. If you would like to see it in print, you can do so by joining the group.

Chris

[morganaway]

A note from CTV -- it's a start (and the appropriate contact person at CTV)

"Hello Morgan

I've passed this note on to Rosemary Thompson in our
Ottawa bureau who has a personal interest in these stories.
She may be able to follow up on this.

all the best

 Avis Favaro
 CTV "

I've also send a letter to the Globe and Mail.  I'm tracking down some of my contacts at the CBC as well.  Stay tuned.

Morgan

[ChristyCanuck]

Hi Morgan -- That sounds promising! I'm happy to follow up with Rosemary when we have a few more pieces of information in place if you think this makes sense. Also, I know that some initial contact has been made with a journalist at the Globe.

Cheers,
Chris

[morganaway]

If we do manage to interest CTV, The G&M and/or CBC, we'll need some parents to talk to the press.  As a television producer I am familiar with the media however, I do not have current experience with this subject only what I am reading on the various boards.  We had no issue with our son back in Nov 2007 but it certainly will affect us on our second adoption.  So if/when and reporter contacts me, who should I refer them to for first-hand info?  I know we're not allowed to share names outside forums without permission.  In my emails, I've directed them to contact my adoption agency as well as the newly formed yahoo group that B&D created earlier today http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OHIPDenialOntario  (which appears to be an open forum for now).  How should we proceed?

Morgan

[cdnmo22]

A note from CTV -- it's a start (and the appropriate contact person at CTV)

"Hello Morgan

I've passed this note on to Rosemary Thompson in our
Ottawa bureau who has a personal interest in these stories.
She may be able to follow up on this.

Rosemary Thompson is a fellow AP Parent

[ChristyCanuck]

Ah, the Yahoo group is open?? We'll have to rectify that.  

I've got a background in media relations so I'm working with Donna and Brad to ensure that we have a lot of relevant information and people for journalists to talk to, including affected parents, a physician and an adoption practitioner. I would have the journalists contact Donna and Brad directly, as they were the first family affected and have a fair bit of information about the issue. I will ask Donna and Brad if it's okay for you to share their contact details, which I'm sure it will be.

Chris

[cdnmo22]

I hunted high and low for official info on OHIP's website and when I couldn't find anything so I called them. Apparently I wasn't the first AP they spoke to today. Nothing has changed in the rules. It will be interesting to hear from the Minister on this subject to set the story straight.
I have a funny feeling that someone's interpretation of the wording is misconstrued.
If anyone else wants to call them for clarification the number is 1-866-247-4505 press 7 and then 3

[morganaway]

Chris,

Regarding the new forum, I can see postings but can't access files.  Perhaps it's only the first few posts that are visible.  I didn't check it too thoroughly.

Great to hear you have a background in media relations!  If I hear anything from the press, I will post immediately for contact info for parents (Brad and Donna) willing to talk.  Also great to hear that Rosemary Thompson is a fellow AP!!  That's gotta help.

Morgan

[ChristyCanuck]

I just received this in my in-box:

Thank you for your recent email to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regarding OHIP eligibility for internationally adopted children.  I have been asked to acknowledge receipt on behalf of officials in the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care.

As you may know, Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently made changes to their legislation that affected the residency status of children adopted outside of Canada .  These changes have impacted their eligibility for OHIP funded services.

The ministry has been made aware of the difficulties that some parents who adopt children outside Canada are facing as a result of the three month waiting period for OHIP funded services and is reviewing the matter you have raised.   The ministry hopes to be able to resolve this issue in the near future.
 
Yours truly,

This sounds like a fairly definitive response for the Ministry. Hmmm. Someone has screwed up clearly. I wonder how soon the "near future" will happen. Let's keep those letters coming.

[morganaway]

My email has now made it to Wendy Mesley at the CBC. We're making progress.

Morgan

[michellev]

Yeah, I received this response as well.  Michelle

[Cariteacher]

I just sent my emails to all parties -- I had emailed my MPP on the weekend. Keep us posted.

cari