Giving physicians more time to help patients

Quebec’s Bill 68 is aimed at streamlining the way certain health-related claims are handled. The goal is simple: reduce paperwork for physicians, so they can spend more time caring for your employees in Quebec.

Bill 68 removes certain administrative steps that physicians were previously required to complete. For example, physicians will no longer need to provide written recommendations for many paramedical services or for medical equipment. This can help reduce the amount of non-patient-facing work on their plates and helps them focus on delivering care.

The Bill also establishes that disability-related medical updates follow the frequency considered appropriate by the attending physician, rather than predetermined timelines set by insurers. This recognizes the physician’s role in determining appropriate follow-up intervals.

For extended health care claims (EHC) in Quebec, insurers will no longer require a physician’s referral (recommendation or prescription) to reimburse claims for many paramedical services or medical equipment. EHC policies will be amended, and claims will continue to be assessed using other established plan controls, such as reasonable and customary limits, maximums, and ensuring providers are properly licensed. This will help maintain the integrity of your benefits plan.

Additionally, physicians’ notes will no longer be required for the first 3 short-term absences (such as illness) of up to 3 consecutive days within a 12-month period.

Coverage isn’t changing – but the process is getting simpler. Employees may no longer need to visit a physician to obtain referrals or notes for many situations covered under your benefits plan. This means faster access to care and fewer administrative steps. You may wish to share this information with your employees in your normal fashion.

The Quebec government is expected to publish the final regulation in spring 2026, with changes taking effect about 3 months later.

For more information, please check this frequently asked questions document.

If you still have questions, contact your Manulife representative.