Here's the scoop on your extended health care benefits... Every plan is different! There are so many companies out there that offer direct billing (Manulife, Sunlife, Green Shield, Blue Cross etc) and the plans they offer are different from each other. Here are some questions we get asked on the phone daily, and here are our responses.
Q: How much does my plan cover? A: We won't know that until we submit for you while you are here in the clinic. Some plans cover 80%, some plans cover $20.00, some plans cover 100%.
Q: How much money to I get to spend each year? A: We have no idea! your plan may cover $500, $300, $1000, unlimited... When we direct bill to your insurance company, the response we receive only tells us how much for that visit is covered.
Q: My insurance company told me that they cover $500 per year. How come I still have to pay each visit? A: Yes, they will cover $500/yr, however, they may still have a limit for each visit. For example, each visit they will only pay $50- up to $500/yr.
Q: Do I need a doctor's note in order my treatments to be covered? A: We have no idea! They will either pay for your visit when we direct bill, or they will send the response that a doctor's note is needed.
Q: If the payment from the insurance company only comes to me, can you submit it for me? A: Unfortunately, no. If the plan is set up that the payment will only go to the client, we are unable to direct bill for you. You will be required to pay for your service up front, and we will provide you with a receipt that you can use to submit on your own behalf.
We recommend calling your benefit company and asking them these questions before booking if you are wanting to be sure, and avoid any surprises. * Do I have Physiotherapy/Massage Therapy/Acupuncture coverage? * Will the payment go directly to the clinic or to the client only? * How much money do I have to spend each year? * How much is covered each visit? * Do I need a doctor's referral in order for the services to be covered?
Let us know in the comments if we have missed anything and we will be happy to answer them.