Health

Overview

Like the health care system itself, oversight of the bodies that administer health and long-term care services in Ontario is complex. Our Office oversees the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and numerous programs that assist with funding drugs and medical devices. We help hundreds of people resolve complaints about these bodies every year.

The Ombudsman has also conducted systemic investigations into such matters as newborn screening, assistive devices and ambulance service complaints. (See Investigations and Case Summaries below.)

 

We can

• Help with unresolved complaints or investigate systemic issues regarding such organizations as:

  • Ministry of Health

  • Ministry of Long-Term Care

  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

  • Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS)

  • Exceptional Access Program

  • Trillium Drug Program

  • Assistive Devices Program

  • Ontario Health Professions Appeal and Review Board

  • Patient Ombudsman

See our full list of bodies we oversee.
 

We cannot

• Take complaints about:

  • Hospitals and long-term care homes – these are the responsibility of the Ministry’s This link opens in a new tabPatient Ombudsman.

  • Self-regulating professions such as doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors and other health professions

• Overturn decisions of elected officials or direct them on public policy

See our list of Common Referrals.

 

Trends in cases (2023-2024 Annual Report)

• Overview and trends in cases

  • OHIP access and renewals

  • Drug programs

Investigations and case summaries

• Investigations

• Case summaries