Expand OHIP coverage to include diabetic foot care
The Issue
Living with diabetes is challenging on its own, but when you add complications like foot ulcers, the burden becomes overwhelming. I am a diabetic residing in Ontario, and recently, I developed a foot ulcer on the bottom of my foot. Unfortunately, I discovered that neither the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) nor the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of essential diabetic foot care. This has left me and many others struggling to afford the necessary treatments.
Diabetes affects millions of Canadians, with over 11 million individuals living with diabetes or prediabetes across the country. Those of us with diabetes are often at a heightened risk for developing foot ulcers, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including infections and amputations. Yet, the cost of foot care remains a barrier for many, especially those who depend on ODSP or have limited income.
It is unacceptable that crucial diabetic foot care is not considered a basic health necessity covered by OHIP, especially since effective management significantly reduces the risk of further complications, healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. Covering diabetic foot care would lead to better health outcomes, and lessen the emotional and financial strain on thousands of Ontarians living with diabetes.
Medical evidence supports that early treatment of foot ulcers can drastically reduce the need for more extensive treatments later on, thus saving the healthcare system money in the long run. Countries that provide comprehensive diabetic healthcare have shown fewer cases of severe complications and amputations. Ontario must follow this evidence-based approach and extend coverage for comprehensive diabetic foot care.
To those who can make this change possible, we urge the Ontario Ministry of Health to review and update OHIP policies to include diabetic foot care. It is a realistic and necessary step forward to ensure that all individuals living with diabetes receive the care they need without financial hardship.
By signing and supporting this petition, you are advocating for a crucial change that would provide much-needed assistance to Ontarians living with diabetes. Your signature can make a meaningful difference in ensuring that essential healthcare, like diabetic foot care, is accessible and affordable for everyone.
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The Issue
Living with diabetes is challenging on its own, but when you add complications like foot ulcers, the burden becomes overwhelming. I am a diabetic residing in Ontario, and recently, I developed a foot ulcer on the bottom of my foot. Unfortunately, I discovered that neither the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) nor the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of essential diabetic foot care. This has left me and many others struggling to afford the necessary treatments.
Diabetes affects millions of Canadians, with over 11 million individuals living with diabetes or prediabetes across the country. Those of us with diabetes are often at a heightened risk for developing foot ulcers, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including infections and amputations. Yet, the cost of foot care remains a barrier for many, especially those who depend on ODSP or have limited income.
It is unacceptable that crucial diabetic foot care is not considered a basic health necessity covered by OHIP, especially since effective management significantly reduces the risk of further complications, healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. Covering diabetic foot care would lead to better health outcomes, and lessen the emotional and financial strain on thousands of Ontarians living with diabetes.
Medical evidence supports that early treatment of foot ulcers can drastically reduce the need for more extensive treatments later on, thus saving the healthcare system money in the long run. Countries that provide comprehensive diabetic healthcare have shown fewer cases of severe complications and amputations. Ontario must follow this evidence-based approach and extend coverage for comprehensive diabetic foot care.
To those who can make this change possible, we urge the Ontario Ministry of Health to review and update OHIP policies to include diabetic foot care. It is a realistic and necessary step forward to ensure that all individuals living with diabetes receive the care they need without financial hardship.
By signing and supporting this petition, you are advocating for a crucial change that would provide much-needed assistance to Ontarians living with diabetes. Your signature can make a meaningful difference in ensuring that essential healthcare, like diabetic foot care, is accessible and affordable for everyone.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on October 22, 2026