Health card not accepted as ID

[James_58]

Why are some Rogers stores still in lockdown, and not accepting health cards as IDs?? I had to wait behind a locked door today waiting for service, and when they finally responded they told me health card wasn't accepted. All other places including Canada Post accept health cards, and for those of us without a driver's license, there is no other option. Phone service should not be the only way to contact Rogers, in person is much more productive.

*Added Labels*

[RogersZia · Accepted solution]

Good evening @James_58,

Welcome to the Community!

You've definitely come to the right place. Typically two pieces of IDs are required to complete a transaction in-store. These are the Acceptable ID's you can use in lieu of a Driver's License: Canadian Passport, Credit Card, Banking information with name and address, Provincial ID or Age of Majority Card, Citizenship Card, Native status card, Armed Forces ID and University Student ID.  One piece of ID must include your address.  

Hope this helps :).

RogersZia

[James_58]

I don't have a driver's license, and don't carry a passport everywhere in my own country. The rest are what most people don't have. Everywhere else accepts health card and credit card including all competitors like Bell and Telus making this requirement ridiculous. Rogers shouldn't expect people to get a new id just to get service that we are already paying for.

[Pauly]

Hello James_58,

As far as I can remember, the Ontario Health card has NEVER been officially accepted as Photo Identification.  In fact, when you renew and receive your New ohip card, the letter they send with it specifically tells you that No one except Health Care Providers can request to see your Health card.  I believe this.

There may be some people who do not have a valid Ontario Motor Vehicle Driver's License, in that case you can use the Provincial Photo ID card as proof of Identification.  If you do not have one, you should really consider one.  I have a friend who is legally blind and can not drive, he carries his Ontario Photo ID card everywhere, and uses it at the LCBO, or Beer Store, or going into night clubs.  You can also use your passport for Photo ID but I prefer not to, in the event it gets lost or damaged so just use the Ontario Photo ID card.

[James_58]

It is just a pain that I have to wait until a ordered ID arrives, when I need service now. It makes no sense that coming to my place with no "accepted" id is any different to going to the store. I am still the same person, and having my phone on me which is also Rogers should be more than enough.

[Pauly]

I hope you understand the importance of having Photo Identification in today's Society is very important. It not only affects your ability to obtain Rogers services, but lots of other business REQUIRE proper photo identification for many things.  I have had a photo Id since I was a Teenager, then when I started driving a car I got my proper Driver's License and have not looked back since.

One  time I was going to a night club and was searching all over for my Driver's license, the doorman just asked me "Whatever just show me your OHIP Card instead"  and I reached into my wallet and got the piece of paper that the Ontario Ministry sends you with your OHIP card to remind you NOT to show anyone your health card, I had saved it and folded it up neatly into my wallet so I can show it when ever someone requests my health card.

The guy was dumbfounded once I showed it to him and felt stupid for asking and was not aware it was illegal to ask, and finally you guessed it, I finally FOUND my Driver's license in one of my pockets and showed it to him and was now allowed to enter the club

[James_58]

Rogers is the only company that has given me any trouble. How is a health card any risk?? It is just being used as id, not being copied or scanned. My health records are in no danger. Don't the same people worry about their driving records being investigated too??

[Pauly]

Rogers is not the only company, lots of companies want a valid government issued photo ID card or drivers license, not just rogers.  Your opinion of rogers is bad because not because of Rogers actions but because you did not have sufficient government Photo ID and wanted an exemption because you did not meet their requirements but were refused.

You just need to know what the problem was and how to resolve it.  the problem is you need valid Gov't photo ID, you probably have something else like a passport, and in the mean time, you should apply for a photo ID card from your local provincial government if you plan to show age of majority and verify your address.

oh by the way, the ohip cards do NOT show your address on them and other government photo ID does.

[James_58]

I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish. All other companies that I have dealt with accept health cards as id. The original problem was people making copies of health cards a few years ago, but they have changed them since. If I can't get a driver's license, there is no excuse. 

[Pauly]

Just as a reminder, here is a snipped from the Ontario Ministry of Health website regarding Health Cards:

Who can ask to see my Ontario health card?
Your Ontario health card should only be used for accessing
insured health care services. You should carry your health card
with you at all times and show it every time you visit a health
care provider. Only health care providers, Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care or ServiceOntario staff can ask to see your
health card. You do not need to show it to anyone else.

https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/brochure.pdf

Just because one or two other companies are not following the rules, does NOT mean Rogers can join in and break the rules too.  Those other companies you dealt with will be reported for violating this rule.

Thanks

[James_58]

I guess Rogers competitors better start following the rules and start disrespecting customers then. You would think if Bell and Telus are ok, as well as Canada post, Rogers would be the same.

[baronkarza]

Pauly is correct in his assessment that no one other than health care providers can legally ask for your health card as ID. However, there is nothing illegal about volunteering your health card for ID purposes. It's an important distinction, and Rogers is doing you a disservice if you offer them your health card as ID and they refuse to take it.

[James_58]

That makes more sense. Hopefully they will change like their competition. As a result I had to mail the phone in. Any idea how long it takes them to respond? I notice the charge for the phone hasn't been deleted yet after over a week..

[Babylegs1]

I don’t drive either . Many places do not accept health cards as ID

Simply go to Service Canada and get a Provincial ID for 35.00 good for 5 years. It’s treated like a drivers licence. Issue solved

[James_58]

Is it worth it just to get into a store for one visit? I cancelled and sent back the new phone. It is not worth the money and hassle if they make things that difficult.

[Pauly]

The Provincial Photo ID may seem like you may just need it for one visit, but please be open minded, you may soon realize "why was I close minded" when you will start to realize  you can use Provincial ID at the LCBO, Beer Store, SAQ, Service Ontario Office, Passport Office, Rogers Store, Telus Store, Bell Store, Casino, Hotels, etc. you will start using it once you have it. anyways lets end this argument, its not worth arguing about.

[James_58]

I have used my health card at most of the list and Rogers is the only one to give me problems. They are the only one that a new id would be needed.

[SiliRat]

This question has come up before, and the answer as chosen was 'Health cards are not valid ID', with a suggested work around of 'Get a provincial card'. 

The problem with this:

A) Whether or not a health card is valid ID depends on the province that issued it.

Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island, for example, are clear that their health cards are NOT proof of ID, so their health cards are not 'valid' as proof of ID under any circumstance. 

However, in Quebec and British Columbia, the government DOES consider their health cards as valid, legal proof of identity. This extends to the Canadian government, who consider them as proof of ID (for passports, etc).  

B)  Quebec does not have provincial identity cards. For people who don't have a driver's license they recommend using... Wait for it... The Quebec Health Insurance card as your proof of ID.

In summary, why is there a 'one size fits all' policy in place which 'invalidates' valid government photo id? Why doesn't Rogers simply refuse health cards where they are not legal id, and accept them where they are? 

[Sheri1231]

I'm sorry my friend. Please read what you've read again. No one can "request" but they CAN accept. 

[Dereckmaniezzo]

I just ran into this today when trying to renew my account. In BC the medical services card is considered government ID everywhere. Full stop. If your stores in BC are not accepting it that is considered discrimination. I really hope this is something you change for people in BC. If not next time I renew I will be switching providers.