A young family of three in Manitoba, consisting of Irene Baek from South Korea, Pengyu Xi from China, and their two-year-old son Jaden, has found themselves in a difficult situation within the provincial healthcare system. While Baek and Xi had recently returned to Manitoba after caring for Baek’s sick mother in South Korea during the pandemic, they were surprised to find that Jaden’s status as a visitor meant he could not be added as a dependent to their health coverage. This has left the family feeling helpless and unsure of how to proceed, as it will be a year and a half before Jaden can become a permanent resident, leaving him without health benefits in the meantime.
The family has been advised to seek private insurance in order to cover Jaden’s healthcare costs, but this comes with its own challenges. Private insurance often only covers emergencies and families may find themselves in financial strain to cover other medical expenses. Tim McIsaac, who has a close relationship with the family, expressed concern over the potential financial burden that could arise if Jaden were to need healthcare without coverage. Despite the difficulties, Baek and Xi feel like they have no choice but to wait and hope for a solution while navigating the private insurance system.
Diwa Marcelino, co-chair of Health Care for All Manitoba, highlighted the common challenges faced by immigrant families in accessing public healthcare. Many families, especially those who come at separate times, are left waiting for their children to gain permanent residency and access to health benefits. Marcelino emphasized the need for public health care to be available to all individuals in Manitoba, regardless of their immigration status. The family’s situation, while not surprising, sheds light on the gaps and challenges faced by immigrants in accessing essential healthcare services.
The family’s struggle is a result of the provincial government’s policies, as each province determines the minimum requirements for individuals to receive benefits under its health insurance plan. Global News reached out to the Manitoba government for comment on the situation, but did not receive a response by the deadline. Baek expressed her desire for Jaden to feel like Manitoba is his home, despite the current status as a visitor. The uncertainty and lack of health benefits have caused emotional distress for the family, as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system in their efforts to provide for Jaden’s well-being.
Ultimately, Baek and Xi are left feeling helpless and frustrated by the limitations imposed on their family due to Jaden’s visitor status. The lack of access to public health care for their son has created financial and emotional strain, as they navigate the private insurance system in hopes of temporary coverage. The family’s story highlights the systemic challenges faced by immigrant families in accessing essential healthcare services and emphasizes the need for policy changes to ensure all individuals have access to public health care in Manitoba. Despite their current struggles, Baek and Xi remain hopeful that their situation will bring about awareness and change for other families facing similar challenges in the future.