Did you know that in October 2024, the Quebec government passed a bill to reduce the administrative burden of physicians? The government estimates that the measures in Bill 68 will free up 600,000 appointment slots per year. While the objective of improving access to healthcare services is welcomed, some measures will have a direct impact on insurers, employers and group insurance plans.
Main measures of Bill 68
Here is an overview of the main measures proposed in Bill 68:
1. Reimbursement for the services of a health or social services professional (e.g. psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist)
An insurer will no longer be able to require a doctor’s prescription to authorize reimbursement.
2. Reimbursement of technical aids (canes, crutches, etc.)
An insurer will no longer be able to require a doctor’s prescription to authorize reimbursement.
3. Short-term absence of three days or fewer
For the first three absences of three consecutive days or fewer taken over a period of 12 months, an employer will no longer be able to require a document to be provided attesting to the reason for an absence.
4. Absence due to disability
An insurer will no longer be able to impose a specific frequency of visits to the doctor for medical follow-up, which will from now on be determined by the doctor.
The measure concerning absences of three days or fewer will come into effect on January 1, 2025, while the date for the other measures has yet to be decided. However, the government will give insurers three years to adjust their contracts for certain measures.
Single disability form
The bill also allows the government to require doctors to use a single disability form. At present, some insurers prefer to use their own forms. The aim is to streamline the administrative burden of physicians by standardizing the documents they have to fill out. Although there are no immediate plans for such a form, the government will be working on it in the near future.
Impact on group insurance plans
While the bill’s implementation should have a limited impact on group insurance plans, this remains to be confirmed.
For example, since few plans require a doctor’s prescription to authorize reimbursement for the services of a health or social services professional, the financial impact of this measure would be rather low. The same applies to the reimbursement of technical aids.
For absences due to disability, a regulation should clarify the cases and conditions in which exceptions will apply. The financial impact is somewhat difficult to establish at this stage, and therefore remains to be determined.
Canadian trend
Will other Canadian provinces follow in Quebec’s footsteps? Ontario and Nova Scotia have already implemented restrictive measures in connection with requests for medical notes for certain absences. Stay tuned.
Ask your advisor!
We invite you to contact your AGA advisor to find out more. Rest assured that AGA is closely monitoring these changes and will update you as soon as further details become available.
Note: This article is not an exhaustive analysis of the law. It only aims to outline the main aspects. For full details, we recommend that you consult the official legal texts or your legal advisor.
Simon Pagé has gained more than 10 years of consulting experience in meeting employers’ needs, developing his ability to guide and advise employers on defined contribution pension plans, investment and group insurance. His consulting style is characterized by his efficiency, leadership and integrity, and his ability to communicate clearly on complex issues.