Funding options for adult therapy
Getting funding for therapy can be a stressful and yet very important step to
ensuring your loved one gets the therapy they need.
The following are funding options that we are successfully using for adults who
need help at Abilities.
Have questions about how any of these options can work for you? We are here
to help. Connect with us at therapists@abilitiesrehabilitation.com and we can
take you through the process step by step.
1. Medical Services Plan
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/benefits.html
If you receive premium assistance for your medical services plan, you may receive
partial assistance in funding for physical therapy (not occupational therapy or
speech and language pathology).
As therapists at Abilities we are hard opted out of the medical services plan, so
the premium assistance will not cover your entire visit fee.
As reported from the medical services plan website:
“For MSP beneficiaries receiving premium assistance, MSP contributes $23 per visit for a combined
annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year”
We can work with you to ensure you receive the help you need in a way that
won’t break your budget.
2. ICBC (Motor Vehicle Accidents)
If your therapy needed is because of a motor vehicle accident, you may have
coverage through ICBC or other private insurance.
Typically this coverage will cover most, if not all of the therapy fees. These
therapy fees often need to be approved after the first assessment by your case
manager or insurance adjuster. We will work with any funding sources to ensure
you get the best treatment possible.
3. Fraser Health Acquired Brain Injury Program
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your-care/home-and-community-care/homehealth-services/acquired-brain-injury-program/
The acquired brain injury program through Fraser Health is a short-term and
specific program that can help with a variety of services, including therapy. This
program has specific criteria, but some people who have sustained a rain injury
may not have been identified for this program through the public health system
when they may in fact be eligible.
Typically the therapy for this program is administered through other therapy
companies, however we have had some instances where the person has come to
Abilities because we provide the specialized needs that cannot be served anywhere
else.
4. Worksafe BC
If you have been injured at work, you may be eligible for therapy through
Worksafe BC.
Typically you would already have a case number and an adjuster that we can speak
with directly before we start treatment. In most cases Worksafe covers the
complete cost of therapy.
5. Department of Veteran’s Affairs
If you are a current of former member of the Canadian military, you may be
eligible for partial coverage of both your assessment and treatment sessions.
For more information, please contact Veteran’s Affairs Canada or visit their
website: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/health/treatmentbenefits/poc#poc12
6. Charities
There are a limited amount of charities that provide funding for specific and
limited amounts of therapy. These charities often require a detailed application
form as well as disclosure of family financial information, but can be a great way
to secure funding for a certain block of therapy.
Funding often takes a few months to approve and usually have an end date as to
when the funding will expire.
Some local groups, such a Rotary or other service organizations, may also
fundraise for a block of therapy.
The Jo Dickey Foundation:
http://www.jodickeyfoundation.ca/index.shtml
7. Extended medical
You may have extended medical coverage through your place of employment.
Often extended medical coverage has a yearly amount, with capped maximums
and pay a portion of the appointment (often 80%).
Some extended medical companies are now starting with direct billing for their
portion of the therapy billing. Contact us and we can let you know if we can direct
bill to your company. We can also work with your coverage to make sure we keep
within the allowed maximums and maximize your coverage.
8. Canada Revenue Agency Medical expenses
Families with medical expenses, including but not limited to therapy services, may
be eligible for claiming on your Canadian tax return.
This will require full out of pocket expenses initially but may provide a refund
once your tax return is filed.
For more information, please contact an accountant or read more at the CRA
website:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300350/330/llwbl-eng.html
Need help navigating the funding world? We are here to help! Contact any one of
our clinic locations by phone or email us at therapists@abilitiesrehabilitation.com.