Residents of Témiscaming, Quebec, are facing challenges accessing healthcare services across the border in Ontario due to a recent policy change by the local health authority. Nicole Rochon, a long-time resident of Témiscaming, had her shoulder surgery in September cancelled as a result of this new policy. The change means that the health authority will no longer facilitate billing or processing claims for services provided by Ontario doctors, impacting residents who relied on specialized care in Ontario.
Mayor Alain Gauthier expressed frustration over the lack of communication about the policy change, which has left residents in distress with cancelled appointments and disrupted healthcare plans. While Quebec is part of the Canada Health Act, it does not participate in the interprovincial reciprocal medical payment agreement, making it challenging for Quebec residents to receive care in Ontario without facing additional costs.
The health authority, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (CISSS-AT), defended the policy change as a measure to protect its budget and align with existing interprovincial agreements. Evelyne Grenier-Ouimette, the president of CISSS-AT, clarified that the organization will no longer cover the cost differences between Ontario and Quebec medical services, potentially leading to increased expenses for patients seeking care in Ontario.
Despite the financial implications, residents like Bonnie McIntosh and Gerard Raymond are grappling with the impact of the policy change on their healthcare arrangements. McIntosh, worried about caring for her 84-year-old partner who sees specialists in North Bay, Ontario, is considering relocating to Ontario to ensure continued access to healthcare services.
As the community navigates these healthcare challenges, concerns persist about the implications for residents who rely on cross-border healthcare services and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address healthcare accessibility for all residents of Témiscaming.