How to Cancel a Health Card in Ontario After a Death

Dealing with the death of a loved one involves many responsibilities, including managing their financial and legal affairs. One of the necessary tasks is cancelling their health card with the Ontario Ministry of Health. This process is important to prevent identity theft and ensure that the deceased’s records are properly updated. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to cancel a health card in Ontario after a death.

Understanding the Importance of Cancelling a Health Card

Cancelling a deceased person's health card is crucial for several reasons:

1. Preventing Fraud: Ensuring the health card is cancelled helps prevent misuse of the deceased’s identity.
2. Administrative Accuracy: It helps maintain accurate health records and prevents any future issues related to the deceased’s health information.
3. Finalizing Affairs: This is part of the broader process of settling the deceased’s estate and ensuring all necessary agencies are informed of the death.

Steps to Cancel a Health Card in Ontario

1. Gather Necessary Documents

Before contacting any government office, make sure you have the required documents. These typically include:

• Proof of Death: This can be a death certificate, a funeral director's statement, or a Medical Certificate of Death.
• Health Card: The deceased’s health card, if available.
• Your Identification: Valid ID that proves your relationship to the deceased, such as a driver's license or passport, may be required.

2. Notify ServiceOntario

ServiceOntario is the primary point of contact for cancelling a health card. There are several ways to notify them:

In-Person

You can visit a ServiceOntario centre in person to cancel the health card. Here’s what to do:

1. Find your nearest ServiceOntario centre. You can locate one using the ServiceOntario location finder.
2. Bring the necessary documents: the deceased’s health card, proof of death, and your identification.
3. Inform the representative of the death and request to cancel the health card.

By Mail

If you prefer not to visit in person, you can send the documents by mail. Follow these steps:

1. Write a cover letter explaining your request to cancel the health card, including the deceased’s full name, health card number (if available), and date of death.
2. Include photocopies of the required documents: proof of death and your identification.
3. Mail the documents to:

ServiceOntario
P.O. Box 48
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3

By Phone

You can also contact ServiceOntario by phone to notify them of the death:

1. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 (toll-free in Canada) or 416-326-1234 (within the Greater Toronto Area).
2. Provide the necessary information over the phone. You may still need to mail in the documents for verification.

3. Inform Other Relevant Agencies

Besides ServiceOntario, you should also inform other relevant agencies that the deceased was registered with, including:

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): For tax purposes, ensure the CRA is informed. You can contact them at 1-800-959-8281.
• Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Notify Service Canada to stop these benefits and potentially apply for death benefits. Contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.

4. Secure the Deceased’s Personal Information

After cancelling the health card, take additional steps to secure the deceased's personal information:

• Destroy the Health Card: Once cancelled, safely destroy the health card by cutting it into pieces.
• Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on the deceased’s financial accounts to ensure no fraudulent activity occurs.
• Inform Financial Institutions: Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of the death.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Double-Check Documentation

Ensure that all documents are complete and accurate before submitting them. Missing or incorrect information can delay the process.

Keep Copies

Make copies of all documents you submit for your records. This includes the cover letter, proof of death, and your identification.

Follow Up

If you haven’t received confirmation that the health card has been cancelled after a few weeks, follow up with ServiceOntario to ensure your request has been processed.

Cancelling a health card in Ontario after a death is a necessary step in settling the affairs of a deceased loved one. By following the proper procedures and ensuring all documentation is in order, you can complete this process efficiently and with minimal stress. Remember to notify other relevant agencies to fully update the deceased’s records and protect their personal information from misuse. This not only helps prevent fraud but also ensures that their legacy is handled with the care and respect it deserves.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, contacting ServiceOntario directly can provide additional guidance and support.