No need to go to the SAAQ to renew your health-insurance card
Posted March 9, 2023 2:05 pm.
In an attempt to reduce long waiting lines, the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) announced that Quebecers will no longer be required to go to the offices of the Société de l’Assurance Automobile (SAAQ) to renew their health insurance card.
In a press release issued Thursday, the RAMQ clarified the measure is only temporary.
Those who need a new card simply have to complete and sign a renewal form. They don’t have to provide a photo. The RAMQ will use the one already on file. A new renewal notice can be sent to them if necessary.
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The press release states that if your card has been expired for more than six months, you will have to call the Régie to get a new one. If it has been expired for less than six months, simply use the renewal notice you have received, without needing a visit to the SAAQ offices.
New digital shift responsible for the mayhem
Driver’s licence and health insurance card renewals have been done simultaneously at SAAQ offices for years now.
But in the past few weeks, waiting times at SAAQ offices have been extremely high due to difficulties related to the government agency’s new digital shift.
In an effort to alleviate even more stress from those caught in the confusion and unreasonable delays, the government also announced an additional 90-day reprieve for affected motorists.
Quebecers whose driver’s licenses expire between March 9 and June 1, 2023 will have an additional 90 days, from their birth date, to pay their renewal fees.
The validity period for temporary driver’s licences issued between March 9 and April 8 will also be extended from 10 to 60 days. Foreign driver’s licenses will also be valid until August 29.
As for who’s to blame, it’s still hard to say. The CAQ government is refusing accountability, pointing fingers at the RAMQ’s senior management, accusing them of poorly planning this new digital shift.
