TORONTO, June 30, 2018 /CNW/ - The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) welcomes the changes to OHIP+ announced today by the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Christine Elliott. "These important changes will ensure that all young Ontarians age 24 and under can access the prescription medicines they need in a way that is affordable for Ontario taxpayers," stated Stephen Frank, CLHIA's President and CEO.

"The life and health insurance industry is committed to working with the Government of Ontario to ensure a smooth transition and is pleased to extend the transition period agreed to with the previous government beyond July 1^st. We will work closely with the new government to ensure that all those who are eligible for coverage under an employer sponsored health benefit plan are transitioned back from the OHIP+ Children and Youth Pharmacare program with minimal disruption," noted Mr. Frank. More than 9.8 million plan members and their dependents in Ontario rely on their health benefit plans to access a wide variety of medicines and other health services.

"The changes will also ensure the health benefit plans that Ontario families value remain strong and sustainable," he added. "We congratulate the new Ontario government on moving decisively on this matter that will benefit all Ontarians," concluded Mr. Frank.

About the CLHIA

The CLHIA represents life and health insurance companies accounting for 99% of the business in Canada. The industry provides a strong social safety net for Ontarians. It pays almost $40 billion in benefits each year to Ontarians through life and health insurance products including annuities, RRSPs, disability insurance and supplementary health plans. Life and health insurers pay over $1 billion in taxes in Ontario, and collect almost $1.5 billion in retail sales tax on workplace life and health insurance products, for a total of $2.5 billion in taxes on the industry and its products.

SOURCE Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc.

For further information:

Susan Murray, Vice President, Government Relations and Policy, (613) 691-6002/smurray@clhia.ca; Wendy Hope, Vice President, External Relations, (613) 691-6001/whope@clhia.ca