Yuriy Pogrebnyy, a Ukrainian newcomer living in Saskatoon under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, was recently informed that he would have to pay out of pocket for medical services after his Saskatchewan health card expired. The expiry occurred while he was in the process of renewing his immigration permit, leaving him without provincial health coverage.
Coverage Gap for CUAET Holders
Pogrebnyy came to Canada under the CUAET program, which was introduced to provide temporary refuge for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Under this program, newcomers are eligible for provincial health coverage. However, when his Saskatchewan health card expired during the permit renewal process, he was told he would no longer be covered by the province’s health plan until his new permit was approved.
This situation has left Pogrebnyy concerned about accessing necessary medical care. He is not alone; many CUAET holders may face similar gaps in coverage when their permits are being renewed. The issue highlights a potential flaw in the system where the timing of health card renewal does not align with immigration permit processing.
Impact on Newcomers
Without health coverage, newcomers like Pogrebnyy are forced to pay for medical services out of pocket, which can be financially burdensome. This is particularly challenging for those who have limited income or are still settling into their new lives in Canada. Pogrebnyy expressed frustration, stating that he had complied with all requirements and yet found himself without coverage due to administrative delays.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, health card coverage is tied to immigration status. Once a permit expires, so does the health coverage, and individuals must wait until their new permit is issued to reapply for coverage. This creates a gap that can last weeks or even months.
Call for Policy Changes
Advocates for newcomers are calling on the provincial government to address this gap. They suggest that Saskatchewan should implement a temporary extension of health coverage for CUAET holders while their permits are being renewed. Alternatively, they propose that the province coordinate with federal immigration authorities to ensure continuous coverage.
Pogrebnyy hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness and lead to changes that will help other newcomers avoid similar situations. He emphasized that many Ukrainians came to Canada seeking safety and stability, and gaps in health coverage undermine that sense of security.
