Keep OHIP Funding for Chiropractic Care

To:  Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Phone: 416-325-1941
Fax: 416-325-3745
E-mail: dalton.mcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca

Hon. George Smitherman
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
80 Grosvenor St
10th Floor, Hepburn Block
Toronto ON M7A 2C4
Phone: 416-327-4300
Fax: 416-326-1571
E-mail: george.smitherman@moh.gov.on.ca

Hon. Greg Sorbara
Minister of Finance
7 Queen's Park Cres., 7th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1Y7
Phone: 416-325-0400
Fax: 416-325-0374
E-mail: greg.sorbara@fin.gov.on.ca

Re: Keep OHIP funding for chiropractic care

I write to urge you to reverse the decision to eliminate OHIP funding for chiropractic services. This decision is short-sighted and ill-advised, and puts my health and that of the entire province at risk.

I believe that government must provide OHIP funding for chiropractic care because:
• Over 1.2 million Ontarians depend on chiropractic care for treatment and relief of back and neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

• This cost-effective and efficient care allows patients to continue to function and lead healthy lives. Without this care, patients will experience increased pain, increased time off work and greater disability.

• Access to care will be severely affected as many patients will be unable to absorb the additional out-of-pocket costs (up to $150) resulting from “delisting.”

• Without OHIP funding, many patients will be forced to seek no care, or to access more expensive care available in the public health care system. Where there are family physician shortages they will have to wait longer for care or visit over-crowded and expensive emergency rooms.

• While government will save $93 million by eliminating chiropractic coverage, the additional direct costs from patients accessing physicians, emergency departments and drugs will exceed $200 million.

I want my government to continue to provide OHIP funding for chiropractic care and call on you to change this bad decision.

WHEREAS,
• Elimination of OHIP coverage will mean that many of the 1.2 million patients who use chiropractic will no longer be able to access the health care they need;
• Those with reduced ability to pay – including seniors, low-income families and the working poor – will be forced seek care in already overburdened family physician offices and emergency departments;
• Elimination of OHIP coverage is expected to save $93 million in expenditures on chiropractic treatment at a cost to government of over $200 million in other health care costs; and,
• There was no consultation with the public on the decision to delist chiropractic services.

WE, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to reverse the decision announced in the May 18, 2004, Provincial Budget and maintain OHIP coverage for chiropractic services, in the best interests of the public, patients, the health care system, government and the Province.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Keep OHIP Funding for Chiropractic Care Petition to Legislative Assembly of Ontario was created by and written by Chris and Melissa Cowl.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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