
When is supplemental insurance needed?
- July 25, 2021
The new rules that the federal government introduced Thursday for Canadians will affect the use of supplemental insurance.
“We are not going to be able to put you into the system that’s most suitable for you, but we will be able provide supplemental insurance for you,” Health Minister Jane Philpott said.
The new policies include: covering any medically necessary treatment for people with cancer, the most common type of cancer.
They will cover a maximum of $2,000 per month for the first three months of treatment and $3,000 for subsequent months of coverage.
“What that means for you is, you may get treatment that you’re not used to, you’re going to have to pay for, you’ll be billed for those things, but you won’t be charged for it,” Philpow said.
A new benefit to help people with chronic conditions, including diabetes, dementia, and arthritis.
It’s only for people over the age of 65 and those with disabilities.
The federal government also has new guidelines for people who are pregnant, and the new coverage will cover the birth of a baby or a parent who is under 60.
In other words, for the next three months, it will only cover you if you have coverage for maternity, adoption, and care for the elderly.
There will also be a limit on how much you can pay out of pocket.
A federal government spokesperson said the new plans are for people that need them the most.
“These are the people who will get the most out of these plans,” spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
They’re also aimed at providing extra income to people who rely on welfare or disability benefits, or who are in a low-wage job.
They also include coverage for the cost of the child’s education, and for the family’s home mortgage.
Health Minister Philpotte also said people who have medical conditions or disabilities are able to use the supplemental insurance to cover them.
“There’s not a lot of people who aren’t going to want supplemental insurance,” she said.
Health officials are hoping people who can afford to pay will sign up, but there’s no guarantee.
“People are going to look at it and say, ‘This sounds too good to be true,'” said Dr. James Wilson, chief of general practice medicine at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
The benefits are available for people without a plan and those who can’t afford to buy it.
“I think the most important thing is the fact that it’s going to help you get back on your feet, get your income up and back on track, get back to work, to help your family,” said Dr.
“Psaki said the benefits are expected to be available to people over 65 by the end of April.
If you or someone you know needs supplemental insurance and needs more information, call 1-800-667-4999.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Justin Diamant.