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Comment by xattt | Hacker News Reader

Here’s a Catch-22 situation I’m facing as a result of these sanctions: My family emigrated to Canada a number of years ago, but we have an elderly relative living in Moscow with moderate dementia who we’ve been supporting remotely with live-in care.

We can’t bring them here because the dementia will be worsened by the change in environment (and the astronomical cost of health insurance until OHIP kicks in), but leaving them to live out their days in their apartment seems like it’s becoming a non-option as well, given the looming collapse of the economy and the likelihood that basic supplies won’t be available.

What’s one to do?

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Bite the bullet and expatriate them if you can handle the costs before your transport window closes [1], versus them declining destitute in their home land where you have no control if the situation deteriorates rapidly. I'd plead your case to whomever in the Canadian [2] and Russian governments will listen due to the situation and it being a compassionate case/allowance (providing elderly care close to family).

A sibling comment indicates OHIP wait periods no longer exist. Flex whatever social and consular assistance you can get, this is what they're there for. Don't be afraid to say "I need help, what can you do to help?" I'd expect more flexibility and support available during an active conflict.

EDIT: "4 independent sources I have say that the Russian border shuts down in <48, probably less than 24 hours. If you are in Russia and you can leave, leave now." -- March 3rd, 2022 9am [3]

[1] https://ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-mission-russia/

[2] https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/russia (Consular assistance, click Assistance on horizontal nav->"Moscow" dropdown)

[3] https://buttondown.email/guzey/archive/4-independent-sources...

I can’t thank everyone in this thread so I’m replying to the top comment, but this is all amazing advice. I will see how my family will want to move forward.

Thank you very much to everybody.

The OHIP 3-month waiting period was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19. They're going to restore it at some point, but for now it looks like there's no waiting period:

From https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card

"There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage. Find out if you qualify."

There are options for interim health care!

https://settlement.org/ontario/health/ohip-and-health-insura...

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/se...

Just wanted to add that people from Ukraine will be considered for refugee status as well: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/ne...

In the short term you could have the elderly relative + a caregiver, be that family or other, live in one of the tourist areas of Mexico. It's easy access to quality healthcare and cost of renting is very reasonable.

Book a flight via Serbia. They’re charging an arm and a leg for being a bottleneck via which you can transfer to western airlines.

I don't have any advice to add, I just wanted to say that I'm truly sorry this is happening to your family.

I'm sorry for the dilemma but only one option seems liveable. Hope that change of environment will be handled and compensated by being closer in a safer place.

Good luck

Which route will lead to fewer regrets? If you can identify it, do that one, even if it’s expensive/painful.

Moscow will be relatively Ok, regardless; and you dollars will buy a lot more help with the new exchange rate

I think it's a pretty strong assumption that they will be able to get dollars to them, or maintain good communication with their relative and/or emergency services if needed.

If they can still transfer them!

Seems like the environment is going to change massively one way or another.

Sorry, I don't know. But if Russia decides to "build a wall" and limit emigration, then there might not be any choice left.

OHIP doesn't have a waiting period anymore. But travelling from Moscow to Ontario may prove difficult.

I have no idea why you are saying that. OHIP still has a waiting period of 3 months.

From https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card

"There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage. Find out if you qualify."

>What’s one to do?

All Russian population revolt on the streets against Putin and overthrow him. There will be mass casualties form the clashes with the military but sitting around under the fear of his iron fist and dying from mass poverty and shortages won't help you either.

Look what happened to Nicolae Ceaușescu and the Romanian revolution of 1989. Hundreds of people died on the streets trying to overthrow that tyrant but it happened. No dictator rules forever. The population has to be willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good and a brighter future.

Well, go ahead then, Chuck Norris...

Bystander effect. Unless I know everyone will go together and our numbers will overwhelm "the enemy", why should I go, and maybe end up beaten up, jailed, etc, for nothing, since the state will just chug along after crushing me like an interstate bus splatting a bug on its windshield.

Yeah after a significant number of people are revolting it's easier to believe "hey this might work" and it's easier to join...

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