Quebec optometrists threaten to pull out of public health system on Nov. 22
Negotiations with province have stalled, and optometrists say fees for services need to go up
A large majority of Quebec’s optometrists plan to withdraw from the province’s public health insurance system next month unless they reach an agreement with the government.
This move would require many Quebecers to pay out of pocket for services currently covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
In a statement released Wednesday, the Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ), representing around 1,500 members, announced that 85% of its members intend to leave the RAMQ on November 22 "following the failure of negotiations" with the provincial government.
The dispute stems from the inability to renew the five-year fee agreement that expired in 2020. This agreement outlines the rates and conditions for optometrists participating in the public health plan, which covers individuals under 18, seniors aged 65 and older, and social assistance recipients.
"Optometry services will remain available, but people currently covered by the public plan will no longer be covered as of Nov. 22, and they will have to pay for services, which we regret," said AOQ President Dr. Guillaume Fortin.
Fortin noted that the change would affect at least 55% of optometrists' patients. He added that operating costs for optometrists have increased at three times the rate of the government's service fees.
According to the AOQ, optometry services funded by the RAMQ account for only 0.16% of the province's healthcare budget, equating to about $11 per resident annually.
“Our fee per RAMQ patient visit is now only $3.50,” Fortin said. “We are asking for reasonable and fair treatment so we can continue serving communities across Quebec and help reduce pressure on the healthcare system, including by handling 180,000 eye emergencies annually,” he added.
Health Minister Christian Dubé emphasized that there is still time to negotiate before the November 22 deadline.
"They didn't threaten to do it tomorrow—they threatened to do it in November. So I believe this is part of their pressure tactics, and we’ll let the negotiations run their course," Dubé said.
