residents of long-term care homes and for residents of rural and remote areas. The provision continues to be made for free coverage to minors. Annual eye examinations are free for children (19 or younger), seniors (65 or older), adults ages 20–64 with certain ocular health conditions (including glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes), as well as those receiving ODSP or Ontario Works (every two years). Eligibility In order to be eligible for coverage under OHIP, a person must normally be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or a holder of a work permit as set out in Ontario's Health Insurance Act, must have a permanent and principal home in Ontario, and must be physically present in Ontario 153 days in any 12-month period. Canadian citizens or permanent residents returning to Canada from another country are not normally covered by OHIP until they have been resident in Ontario for three months. In 2009, applicants for permanent residence from within Canada were added to the plan, following the "Approval In Principle" (AIP) stage of the process. Applicants from outside Canada continue to be ineligible for OHIP until they have completed the landing process and have actually become permanent residents, when the usual three-month waiting period begins. It is recommended to obtain private health insurance to cover the waiting period. For Canadian citizens or permanent residents moving to Ontario from another province, the province of the previous residency continues to cover them during the three-month waiting period. Waiting period Transfer from another province, territory, or country: the waiting period used to be three months, but as of March 19, 2020, that has been temporarily removed because of the COVID pandemic. Military spouses: immediate regardless of origin. Applicants for permanent residence from inside Canada: obtaining of permanent residence Applicants for permanent residence from outside Canada: obtaining of permanent residence (15–24 months as of April 2014) Precursors Ontario's first government-run health plan, known as OMSIP (Ontario Medical Services Insurance Plan), was established and enacted on 1 July 1966. On 1 October 1969, it was replaced by OHSIP, the Ontario Health Services Insurance Plan, as a provincially-run and federally-assisted plan under the federal Medical Care Insurance Act for the establishment of a national medical plan. In 1972, its name was shortened to simply OHIP. See also Ministry of Health (Ontario) Ontario Health (agency) Ontario Health care in Canada Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan References External links Official website