Ontario NDP urges public to speak out against unfair patient fees as CPSO opens consultations

Nickel Belt - Official Opposition Health Critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) is encouraging Ontarians to make their voices heard as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) holds public consultations on block fees and other patient charges.

The CPSO is reviewing its policy on uninsured services — fees charged to patients for services not covered by OHIP, such as sick notes, driver’s medical exams, and prescription renewals by phone. Many Ontarians are also being asked to pay annual “block fees” of $150 or more to cover these types of services. These changes are being considered following a rise in complaints from patients who feel pressured or unable to afford the extra costs.

“This is about fairness and protecting access to health care,” said Gélinas. “Ontarians are already struggling with rising costs of living under this government, and Doug Ford is quietly pushing Ontario toward a two-tier American-style system, where if you have money, you get better care, and if you don’t, you’re left behind. These block fees and extra charges are just another form of upselling that has no place in our public health system.”

Ontarians can provide feedback through the CPSO’s official consultation page before the August 1 deadline.