British Columbia Health Insurance Review
The B.C. Chiropractic Association provides this review of health insurance including Extended Health Benefits, ICBC, Medicare, and WCB affecting all British Columbia residents as of January 01, 2002.
The British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA) represents 750 chiropractic doctors and the public when providing research on patient outcomes and recommendations on the funding of health care.
Spine, spine related injuries and illnesses are a common major health problem. An estimated 1/3 of Medicare utilization is for these every day conditions which impact all ages. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for successful patient recovery and lower health cost for government/taxpayers. British Columbian's health care can be improved through knowledge and implementation of prevention and early treatment.
Workers Compensation
No referral is required. Approved WCB claims provide injured person's immediate coverage for all cost of treatment from their family chiropractor. This includes required x-rays examinations, reports to WCB, and authorization of wage loss payment. WCB studies since 1950 report improved recovery, decreased lost work time, and lower employer costs associated with chiropractic care.
BC Medicare
Effective January 01, 2002 Government stopped paying $7.35 of office fees. Patients will now pay their chiropractic doctor's customary office fee and claim reimbursement from extended health benefits when applicable. Remaining costs can be included in a persons income tax filing. The BCCA had met repeatedly with Government, both NDP and Liberal, to present the benefits of Medicare's coverage of spine and spine related injury since 1995. This included lower direct Medicare costs, less drug prescription, and lower surgery rates with associated hospital costs. In addition, the BCCA and other health professions demonstrated that a premium increase of $2.00 from $36.00 to $38.00 would fund health costs in the lowest manner possible for all British Columbians.
With the public's assistance, the BCCA will continue to work for improvements to Medicare which will result in improved health care outcomes and lower Provincial health costs. Persons on premium assistance receive coverage of $23.00 regardless of age or condition for 10 combined office visits to chiropractic doctors, podiatrists, massage therapists, naturopaths, and physiotherapists.
ICBC
No referral is required. Persons injured in motor vehicle collisions should consult their family chiropractor as soon as possible. The BCCA has guidelines for the care of personas injured in car accidents. Early diagnosis and treatment of the neck and back symptoms can lead to a quicker recovery. Injured persons may recover most or all costs associated with recovery of injury from motor vehicle collisons from ICBC, extended heatlh insurance, and MSP. In the event of dispute with ICBC, your family chiropractor will assist your lawyer, or yourself, with clinical evidence for small claims court to recover injury related costs. Your chiropractic doctor submits first injury and subsequent progress reports, provides medical legal reports, and will present evidence in court when litigation is involved. Please speak to your family chiropractor or office staff for further information.
Extended Health Benefit Plans
Presently 60% of British Columbians have extended or private health benefit plans, through employment or by personal purchase. Where extended health plans exist from employment remember it is the employer who directs what amounts and benefits the insurance company administers. If you feel this level of coverage is not adequate any longer, you must speak directly with your employer or union representative to review coverage. If you are purchasing extended or private health insurance plans, for you and your family, be sure all your health needs are covered based solely on your choice, not any referral process. It is also important to make sure that your private, or extended health benefit plan, provides coverage based on the office fees you pay. For further information please speak directly to your family chiropractor and office staff.