Money is an uncomfortable topic of conversation for many of us, especially in social settings like dinner with friends or whilst meeting with our bank manager. Let’s talk about the cost of medical care. OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and other social programs on the provincial and federal levels often meet most of our needs.
However, if you’re unable to work due to an accident or illness, the bills start piling up. If you need certain medications, the cost can be overwhelming for some budgets, even for people who are good at saving.
The limits of OHIP
In Ontario, we’re lucky to have publicly-funded health care, because it means that we have reasonably good access to quality medical care. We have excellent, state-of-the-art hospitals like the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Trillium Health Partners facilities.
There are, however, limitations.
- You may have to wait a long time for expensive diagnostics like an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) because the equipment isn’t readily available.
- Some services are not covered, or cover part of what you need, such as attendant care, experimental drug therapies, physiotherapy, or respite care services.
- Prescription medication isn’t covered.
Invest in your health
OHIP is the default health insurance in Ontario. It’s a good idea to have supplemental coverage. This allows you to have more financial benefits for the things that are only partially included in our provincial plan. Remember that each plan is likely to have clauses that don’t allow for duplicate payment (through another plan) for the same claim item.
- Ask your employer about options to customize your health insurance benefits
- Ensure you get a clear description of coverage for your spouse and dependents
- Look into out-of-country coverage
- Learn about how your family medical history can help you choose your insurance package
Mandatory auto insurance means that you’re likely to have coverage for medical needs if you’re injured in a collision.
- ensure that you pay your premiums on time so your plan doesn’t lapse
- compare market offerings to get the best value for your money
- ask about funeral coverage (it seems morbid but the cost of these services can reach the tens of thousands)
Prevention is one of the most cost-effective ways to manage your well-being. Take the time to plan and prepare healthy meals, exercise and meditate. If you have trouble with these tasks, ask for help! Look into ways you can modify activities to suit your ability level.
What is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a method of raising money for a specific cause by making your story public and appealing to people’s sense of charity. The concept of putting your story on the internet and asking people for money to help pay for medical bills may seem unusual, but it’s a growing trend all over the World.
This method is one solution to an unforeseen situation, whereas paying into an insurance premium plan is a more reliable way of being prepared because you have a policy that outlines your benefits.
You can raise money for just about anything, including medical bills or costs associated to managing an illness or the outcome of a tragic accident. Campaigns help fund travel for medical treatment, expensive drugs and equipment or living expenses for people living with chronic illness.
Learn more:
How can Milestone Health Services Halton help?
Our team doesn’t endorse any particular health insurance or crowdfunding avenue, but we do understand how important it is to help the people who need health care services.
Home care in Halton is accessible and we can work with you to customize a health care plan that you and your family can afford. You can choose the services that you need, and our qualified nurses and caregivers will deliver the highest standard of care available for reasonable cost.
- available 24 hours
- Nursing care services
- We coordinate our services with your existing medical professionals for consistent health care delivery
- Respite care for working and/or sleeping hours
- Assistance planning for transportation for appointments
- Personal Care services
- Home Support and Housekeeping services
We provide home care services in the following areas: Halton, including Georgetown, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga North. If you would like to discuss your individual needs (whether or not you’re a senior) contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home consultation at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form or our live chat option.