Not Initialling for Direct Payment: How This Small Oversight Can Cost You Thousands
A Costly Mistake at the Hospital
Jake assumed his insurer would pay his medical providers directly, but he failed to initial Part 11 of the OCF-1 form. Weeks later, he received a bill for $3,500 in unpaid physiotherapy costs.
How to Avoid This Mistake
To have payments go directly to healthcare providers, you must initial the relevant section on your OCF form. Otherwise, bills will be sent to you instead.
Technicalities & Case Law
Ontario insurance regulations allow for direct payments but require claimant consent. In Smith v. State Farm, 2017 ONSC 379, a misunderstanding of direct payments led to financial loss.
