Millions of Ontarians are being told by mail to turn in their red and white health cards “within 30 days”. It is left to the card holder to guess at what happens if he or she doesn’t follow this advice. The government has been talking about getting between two and three million such cards converted to photo the ID type held by most citizens for years. But many people are not only sentimentally attached to the cards, they just don’t want the hassle of having to renew yet another card, license or passport. The red and white cards were phased out in the early 90s so many young adults have had them since childhood. Doctors offices are somewhat bewildered by the new push. No doctor wants to tell patients — especially older ones — they aren’t eligible. The letters arriving at homes this month say:
It is time for you to obtain a photo health card. The Ontario Government is eliminating red and white health cards. Your health insurance coverage could be affected if you do not obtain a photo health card
It is the first time a note of coercion has been seen in the Health Ministry campaign of conversion to the green ID.
