The threat brandished by optometrists to end their participation in the Quebec health insurance plan (RAMQ) has sparked opposition, who are worried about seeing the most vulnerable beneficiaries “taken hostage” in this standoff between the government and specialists.
Duty indicated Friday that the Association of Optometrists of Quebec (AOQ) was circulating non-participation forms in the RAMQ among its 1,450 members and that it was threatening to withdraw from the plan altogether. 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 remitted by the State for optometry services given to minors, seniors and health care providers. income.
In Quebec, the Solidarity and PQ oppositions are urging the two camps 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 today. now reimbursed by the State.
Liberal health critic André Fortin was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
“Once again, it is the beneficiaries of the program who are taken hostage,” deplores Joël Arseneau, MP for Îles-de-la-Madeleine and spokesperson for the Parti Québécois on health. Both parties must put water in their wine […] otherwise, it will still 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 to find a financing model that ensures the sustainability of public coverage of optometric care.
“Vulnerable people like the elderly and children do not have to pay the price of this standoff between optometrists and the RAMQ,” believes the health solidarity manager, 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 accessibility. »
The offices of the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, and the President of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, both assure that “negotiations are underway” and that “the objective is to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.” quickly possible. »
The AOQ asked its members to return the non-participation forms before Friday at 12:01 a.m. The return to the negotiating table must take place next week: the optometrists have no intention, explained Thursday to Duty the general director of their association, Me Maryse Nolin, to break ties with the RAMQ before this meeting.
