Bill 83 for Eligibility for Health Insurance and Prescription Drug Coverage
“This is a significant step forward for children’s rights in Quebec. For twenty years, Doctors of the World and numerous partners have documented this injustice. We are very grateful that this government has put an end to it. This law will certainly ease the anxiety experienced by many parents and contribute to better health for all,” says Dr. David-Martin Milot, President of Doctors of the World Canada.
This law provides eligibility for all children usually living in Quebec, whether born here or not, and who can demonstrate their intention to remain in the territory for more than six months in the year following their registration. It is estimated that approximately 4,500 children each year will benefit from these new measures. Additionally, the three-month waiting period will be abolished for all minor children; nearly 10,000 of them per year will be eligible for Quebec’s health insurance. The law also introduces the possibility of a temporary registration certificate from the RAMQ for children born in Quebec and strengthens the confidentiality of personal data.
Pregnant Women Still Excluded, but Work is Underway
However, Bill 83 does not address the recommendations made by several organizations calling for specific provisions to ensure minimal protection for pregnant women.
“A child’s health is closely linked to that of the mother. The lack of monitoring and support for women during pregnancy, the astronomical costs incurred during childbirth, and the absence of support and follow-up in the postpartum period can have a detrimental effect on the physical health and well-being of both the mother and her child,” says Nadja Pollaert, Executive Director of Doctors of the World Canada. “The medical team at Doctors of the World sees families established in Quebec every day who find themselves with a huge financial burden due to debts incurred while they are already in extremely precarious situations,” she adds.
To address this situation, Minister Dubé has given a specific mandate to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and the interministerial committee to study this issue by June 2022. Doctors of the World will continue to share its experience with the government to keep it informed of the realities on the ground.
Additionally, Minister Dubé has committed to including in the mandate the study of a retroactive amnesty for one year or more regarding fees incurred for medical care for children who will now be covered.
About Doctors of the World Canada
Present in Canada and in 74 countries, Doctors of the World is an international movement of volunteers working at the national and international levels. Through innovative medical programs and evidence-based advocacy, Doctors of the World empowers excluded individuals and communities to demand respect for their right to health, while fighting for universal access to care.
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Information:
Mélissa Cabana
Senior Communications Advisor
Doctors of the World Canada
Cell: 514 799-8985
melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca