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| - When I first moved to Toronto, I had no health coverage. This was a headache as soon as I remembered that OH RIGHT, I need to update my birth control prescription, which as many other women know is super easy to forget about. Even though Canada offers free health coverage, I hadn't yet broached the 3-month waiting period to establish residency, so at this point I was ineligible, and that's a scary spot.
The first place I went to was the Hassle-Free Clinic, affiliated with Ryerson University, where I was welcomed despite the fact that I had no healthcare to speak of and very little cash. It was there that I was referred to the Bay Centre for Birth Control and given a short 3-month prescription. I recommend it, as well as BCBC.
At the Bay Centre for Birth Control, you go up to the 8th floor, enter through the door that is sometimes locked (might need, and either go to the check-in counter (appointments and prescription registration) or the pill sales window (if you have a prescription already sorted out). I still don't understand how their paperwork process works, but essentially they offer physicals and prescriptions, and the cost for your birth control is the lowest available - though the price isn't covered by insurance because they aren't actually a pharmacy. Since I don't have drug coverage, this is by far the best option for me.
In my opinion, it seems like the administrative staff's focus isn't on giving "excellent customer service" every time. However, since I really appreciate the services offered at this location, and if you aren't offended by that, your experience will probably be just fine. Furthermore, the actual medical staff that I've encountered have been absolutely lovely! They were attentive and made sure that I understood the implications of medication as well as my situation as an uninsured person, unlike other healthcare professionals that are tempted to list things off without ensuring I understand. They seem to really understand what it's like for a patient.
Overall, I've had a great experience here. It's not for everyone, but for those who need it, it's fantastic.
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