Measles Outbreak in Canada

3 more cases of measles have been reported in Ontario bringing the total number of infected people in Canada to “22”.

If vaccinating your child is a requirement to register him/her for school, how is it possible that some children are attending school not vaccinated?  Here is the answer to that question. There is an exemption to inoculation if a parent submits a statement informing the school that vaccinating their child goes against their religious beliefs.

Since measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, there is good reason for concern.

Symptoms of Measles

• High fever
• Cold-like symptoms
• Sore eyes
• Red rash

The Provinces’ Support for Vaccinations

According to the recently released Angus Reid Institute poll, Ontario and Saskatchewan residents are the most supportive of immunization, while Quebec shows the least support.

Get Vaccinated

Canadians should make sure that all their vaccinations are up-to-date. See the recommended routine vaccine schedule for further information.

Go to CAA Health & Dental Insurance for information about health insurance.

Filing a Health Insurance Claim

So you’ve decided on a health insurance plan that fits your needs, what now?

You will receive your ID card in the mail that has all of the information necessary that your health service provider will need to process your claim.

Individual claims must be submitted within 12 months of the service charge. Once the insurance company receives your claim it shouldn’t take more than 5 business days to process your claim and another 24hrs after processing to send out your re-imbursement. Make sure to include all necessary information including original receipts, for prompt processing and payment.

Many health care providers, hospitals, pharmacies dentists and optometrists most likely will bill your insurance provider right from the office, eliminating the process of having to fill out and send a claim form. If your health care provider does not bill your insurance provider directly, you are then required to pay the initial cost in full and then submit your claim yourself. You would then receive your re-imbursement by mail. You can use your receipts for tax purposes so make sure to retain the top portion of the cheque for verification.

Medical Marijuana Coverage

In June 2013 Health Canada introduced regulations to permit larger-scale medical marijuana production facilities. As a result, 15 companies are now fully authorized to produce and sell the product. Eight other companies are authorized to produce, but not to sell.

There is a very strict application process in which a company must meet Health Canada’s criteria in order to be considered. 

Consideration is given to the following:

• Storage
• Location
• Human Resources
• Pest Management
• Packaging/Inventory
• Record Keeping
• Sales and Marketing
• Quality Assurance

There are 3 steps when applying to Health Canada for an Authorization to Possess Marihuana for Medical Purposes and for a legal source of supply under the Marihuana Medical Access Program (MMAP):

Consult your Medical Practitioner

Before you apply to the MMAP your doctor must provide a letter declaring that other avenues of treatment have been used and have not been effective.  If you and your doctor agree you should apply to the MMAP to obtain marihuana for your condition and/or symptoms, you must choose a source of supply. As of March 31, 2014 you   would no longer be permitted to access Health Canada supply of medical marijuana, you will need to register with a licensed producer.

Is my medicine covered by my medical plan?

Because medicinal cannabis doesn’t at this time have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) it isn’t covered by any Federal, Provincial or private health insurance. If you are a veteran you may be covered by the Veterans Affairs of Canada or there is the option to declare it as a medical expense on your personal taxes providing you have valid receipts.

For any other questions about drug coverage go to http://www.caahealth.ca/

Retirement and Health Insurance

A great number of Canadians are working well past the age of their desired retirement and it’s not necessarily because they want to keep busy! Many people remain active in the work force for financial reasons, the like of which could be based on health issues that require the health insurance coverage they receive in the workplace. Under such circumstances, they find it worrisome to contemplate retirement.

People who are fortunate enough to have a health insurance plan at work must take into account the fact that they will lose that coverage once they retire. Aging Canadians, who suffer from chronic health conditions, understand the importance of health insurance as they deal with the costs of prescription medications and medical treatments. Some provinces subsidize certain expenses for those over 65, but not all medicines and treatments are covered.

Working Canadians must bear in mind the ‘what if’s’ when considering retirement. For those who are beginning to deal with health issues, one of their main concerns is this:  Will I be able to absorb the medical costs should I need a caregiver (a personal support assistant or nurse) when I retire? Home care expenses can run anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 a month, depending on the level of care required. 

As we age, our body changes.  One can expect diminishing vision and increasing dental upkeep, and one should also be prepared in the event that the aid of medical devices might be required to help with mobility or hearing loss. 

There’s a way to alleviate your worries. CAA Health & Dental Insurance offers enhanced plans to early retirees and seniors that specifically address the needs of particular age groups. Health insurance companies - CAAhealth.ca - understand that every life stage has its own specific needs and for that reason, they offer customizable packages that fit the needs and the budget.