OHIP & Home Care Coverage in Ontario: What's Actually Covered?

The short answer: OHIP does not cover most home care

This surprises many Ontario families. OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers medically necessary physician and hospital services — not routine home care such as bathing assistance, meal preparation, companionship, or medication reminders performed by a PSW.

However, Ontario does have several other government programmes that cover home care services — and many families qualify for more funding than they realise. Here is a complete breakdown.

1. Ontario Health atHome (formerly CCAC)

This is the primary government-funded home care programme in Ontario. Ontario Health atHome (OHatH) coordinates and funds home care services for eligible residents.

What it covers

• PSW personal care visits (bathing, grooming, dressing)
• Nursing visits by RNs and RPNs (wound care, medication management)
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Social work services
• Nutritional support

Who is eligible

• Ontario residents with a valid OHIP card
• People recovering from hospital discharge
• Those with chronic conditions requiring ongoing support
• Seniors and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities
• People at risk of hospitalisation without home support

How to apply

1. Call Ontario Health atHome: 310-2222 (no area code needed, available 24/7)
2. A care coordinator will conduct a home assessment (free of charge)
3. They determine eligibility and the number of funded hours per week
4. Services begin, typically within days of approval

2. Ontario Caregiver Program

The Ontario Caregiver Program supports family members and friends who provide unpaid care to loved ones. It offers:

• Educational resources and training for family caregivers
• Connections to local support services
• Coaching and peer support
• Respite care referrals so family caregivers can take a break

Contact: 1-833-416-2273 or visit ontariocaregiver.ca

3. Veterans Affairs Canada

Canadian veterans and their survivors may be eligible for home care funding through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Coverage includes PSW personal care, homemaking services, and nursing care.

Eligibility depends on the nature and extent of service-related conditions. Contact VAC at 1-866-522-2122 or visit veterans.gc.ca for an assessment.

4. Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

While not directly covering care hours, Ontario's Assistive Devices Program funds up to 75% of the cost of medical equipment used at home — wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, and communication devices. This reduces the overall financial burden of home-based care.

Apply through your physician or specialist who prescribes the device.

5. Tax credits and deductions

Even if government programmes do not fully cover your costs, several federal and provincial tax measures can reduce what you pay:

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

A non-refundable tax credit for Canadians with significant physical or mental impairments. If your loved one qualifies, this credit can be transferred to a supporting family member. Apply through the CRA with a physician's certification.

Medical Expense Tax Credit

Home care costs paid to a private agency (not government-funded) may qualify as medical expenses for the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit. Keep all receipts — Ewa Care provides official receipts for all services.

Home Accessibility Tax Credit

If you make renovations to your parent's home to improve accessibility (grab bars, ramps, stair lifts), up to $20,000 of those costs may qualify for a 15% federal tax credit.

Caregiver Amount

If you support a dependent relative who is infirm, you may claim the Canada Caregiver Amount on your federal return. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

6. Private insurance and employee benefits

Many Canadians have private insurance through their employer or retirement plan that covers home care services. Ask your insurer specifically about:

• "In-home personal support worker services"
• "Nursing care at home"
• "Home health care"

Ewa Care provides detailed, itemised receipts that most insurers accept for reimbursement claims.

What to do first — a practical checklist

1. Call Ontario Health atHome (310-2222) — request a free home care assessment. Do this before spending any private dollars.
2. Check private insurance — call your insurer and ask specifically about home health care coverage.
3. Apply for Disability Tax Credit — if your loved one has a significant impairment, this can provide meaningful annual tax relief.
4. Keep all receipts — home care costs may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
5. Contact Veterans Affairs — if your loved one is a veteran, call VAC before paying privately.
6. Top up with private care — use government-funded hours as a base and supplement privately for additional coverage.

Summary — Ontario home care funding at a glance

• ✓ Ontario Health atHome — main government home care funder. Call 310-2222.
• ✓ Ontario Caregiver Program — support for family caregivers. 1-833-416-2273.
• ✓ Veterans Affairs Canada — for eligible veterans. 1-866-522-2122.
• ✓ Disability Tax Credit — apply through CRA with physician certification.
• ✓ Medical Expense Tax Credit — claim private home care costs at tax time.
• ✓ Private insurance — check your plan for home health care coverage.
• ✓ Home Accessibility Tax Credit — for home modifications up to $20,000.