Patients “hostages” in conflict between optometrists and the State, according to opposition

Photo: Unsplash “Le Devoir” reported on Friday that the Association of Optometrists of Quebec (AOQ) was circulating RAMQ opt-out forms among its 1,450 members and that it was threatening to withdraw from the plan en masse.

Sébastien Tanguay in Quebec

Published yesterday at 16:21 Updated yesterday at 18:03

• Quebec

The threat brandished by optometrists to terminate their participation in the Quebec health insurance plan (RAMQ) has caused opposition groups to jump, who are worried about seeing the most vulnerable beneficiaries “taken hostage” in this standoff between the government and specialists.

Le Devoir reported Friday that the Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) was circulating RAMQ opt-out forms among its 1,450 members and was threatening to withdraw from the plan en masse. At the heart of the dispute: the impasse in negotiations surrounding the renewal of an agreement that expired in 2020 and which sets the amount paid by the state for optometry services provided to certain clienteles.

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In Quebec City, the Solidaire and PQ oppositions are urging both sides to reach an agreement quickly to prevent current beneficiaries of the public system, namely minors, seniors and income security recipients, from having to pay for services that are currently reimbursed by the government.

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• Optometrists consider breaking with RAMQ

Liberal health critic André Fortin was unavailable to comment on the situation Friday afternoon.

“Once again, Moreover, it is the beneficiaries of the program who are being held hostage, deplores Joël Arseneau, MNA for the Magdalen Islands and health critic for the Parti Québécois. Both parties must compromise […] otherwise, it will once again be the population, particularly the most vulnerable, who will pay the price — which is totally unacceptable.”

Québec solidaire also calls on both parties to do everything possible to avoid penalizing beneficiaries. The party also encourages reflection in order to find a funding model that ensures the sustainability of public coverage of optometric care.

“Vulnerable people such as seniors and children should not have to pay the price of this standoff between optometrists and the RAMQ,” believes the solidarity health officer, Vincent Marissal. “An agreement must be reached quickly. However, the organization of eye care in Quebec must be reviewed in the long term to ensure its accessibility.”

The offices of Health Minister Christian Dubé and Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel both assure that “negotiations are underway” and that “the goal is to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.”

The AOQ asked its members to return their opt-out forms before midnight on Friday. The return to the negotiating table should take place next week: optometrists do not intend to sever ties with the RAMQ before this meeting, the general director of their association, Maryse Nolin, explained to Devoir on Thursday.