- What are uninsured services?
Uninsured services are services that are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), because they are considered “not medically necessary”.
- Are clinics allowed to charge for uninsured services?
Yes, the Ontario government permits clinics to charge for these services.
The ByWard FHT has set pricing for uninsured services based on guidelines from the Ontario Medical Association (OMA).
- What is a block fee?
A block fee is a fixed amount that covers a set of services for a period of time, rather than paying for each individual service separately. Patients get unlimited access to a specific set of uninsured services for a flat fee over a 12-month period.
- How does a block fee benefit me as a patient?
Block fees offer convenience and cost savings for registered patients who require frequent medical care or expect to use multiple uninsured services throughout the year. The block fee program is designed to save patients money and better manage their medical expenses.
- How do I know if the block fee program is right for me?
Consider your healthcare needs, frequency of uninsured services used, and budget when deciding whether the block fee program is suitable. If you anticipate needing multiple services throughout the year, a block fee might offer cost savings and convenience.
- Will my insurance cover block fee costs?
Yes, many private insurance plans will cover the cost of a block fee. Please contact your insurance provider for details.
- Can the cost of a block fee be claimed on my taxes?
According to the Canada Revenue Agency, money paid to a medical clinic for services, such as block fees, are considered an eligible medical expense.
- How do I sign up for the block fee program?
If we have your email on file, you will receive an email communication on September 4, 2024 with information and instructions. Alternatively, you can contact the clinic at 613-564-3950.
- Can I sign up at anytime?
Yes, patients can sign up at any time throughout the year (with the exception of July and August). Note that if you wish to sign up for the annual fee after September 30th, the fee will not be prorated, and will remain the full amount regardless of when you enroll.
- Is subscribing to the block fee program optional for patients?
It is entirely optional to enroll in the annual block fee program. If you choose not to enroll, it will not affect the health care we provide you. Patients who are not enrolled in the block fee program and receive uninsured services can pay for these services individually. For a list of uninsured services and associated fees, please visit our fees page.
- Am I covered if the uninsured service is provided by a provider other then my primary care provider?
If you receive care from a provider at the After Hours clinic or from a Nurse Practitioner, the uninsured services provided are covered by the Annual Block Fee. However, uninsured services provided by a specialist at ByWard FHT are not covered by the Annual Block Fee.
- If my status as a patient is terminated (e.g. moving away, transferring to another clinic etc.) at some point throughout the year, do I get a refund?
No
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the majority of physician services, but there are certain services that are not included. Your primary care provider offers these valuable services, but the patient or the third party making the request is responsible for payment.
The Annual Block Fee plan is available to patients registered with a ByWard FHT primary care provider and is an OPTIONAL way to cover costs for uninsured services. We encourage patients to sign up for the Annual Block Fee program as it will make the process of requesting and receiving the most common uninsured services easier by offering coverage for one simple fee.
Services Covered by the Annual Block Fee Program include:
✓ Prescription Renewal without a visit
✓ Referral to an Allied Health Professional requested for documentation purposes (i.e. referral requested by your insurance company)
✓ Simple Medical Forms (2 pages or less)
✓ Medical Certificate (return to work or school)
✓ TB Test for Work/Volunteer
✓ RAMQ Fee (Quebec patients)
Annual Block Fee Pricing
Ontario/Other Patients
Individual $150
Couple $225
*Family $350
Quebec Patients
Individual $250
Couple $425
*Family $600
*Family includes spouse and children 18 and younger living at the same address.
Registering for October 2024 – September 2025
Registration for the Annual Block Fee program will open to registered patients on September 4th, 2024. Monitor your email on September 4th for instructions on how to register and pay.
