If you still have yet to switch to the new Health Card format, you may want to soon. The province has decided that as of July 1st, 2020, the old style (Red) health cards will no longer be accepted.
“The advanced security features of the photo health card help protect our public health system and is another measure to improve value for taxpayers’ dollars,” said Christine Elliott, Minister of Health. “While there is no cost to convert or renew an Ontario photo health card, there could be significant costs by allowing red and white health cards, which could be used fraudulently, to remain in circulation. Each month, individuals using these outdated cards access up to $108 million in health services.”
Users of the “old-style” card will receive a notice approximately 1 month prior to the deadline. There are an estimated 300,000 still in circulation.