An Extension to your Group Health Insurance
We are always looking for ways to do more in life, where it is at home with our families or whole at work. The same can be said about group benefits plans. While the coverage provided by these plans is usually adequate, there are instances where more is required.
Adding extended health care benefits to group benefits packages provides coverage for services or treatments not often covered by government health plans. Best of all, the benefits are very flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of your business and staff while staying within your budget.
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What is Extended Health Care Benefits?
Extended Health Care Benefits or simply ‘Extended Health Benefits’ also others referred to as ‘Major Medical Benefits’, are often included in group health insurance coverage that designed to provide compensation for medical services and treatments not covered by traditional provincial health care plans.
Why should I get Extended Health Care Benefits for my employees?
As previously mentioned, government-issues health plans are often limited in their coverage. The parameters indicated by your group benefits may provide your employees access to some services or coverage, but not others. As a result, some employees may choose not to opt into the benefits plans because the coverage provided may be insufficient. Some may even choose to pay out-of-pocket for supplemental coverage.
With this plan, you can help your employees avoid having to pay for additional health insurance by providing them with the coverage they need upfront.
What does Extended Health Benefits cover for group?
There are several services covered by these benefits, including:
Prescription Drugs
This type of health service provides coverage for eligible prescription drugs. Some drugs may require prior authorization from the insurance provider. Most plans include a pay direct drug option where each insured employee will have a drug insurance card they can present to pharmacies when purchasing prescription drugs. This process helps to improve the efficiency of claim submission.
The maximum annual coverage amount for this benefit can be $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.
Paramedical Services
This type of health service provides coverage for services offered by various paramedical practitioners. These include:
- Acupuncturists
- Audiologists
- Chiropractors
- Chiropodists
- Dieticians
- Naturopaths
- Osteopaths
- Physiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Psychologists
- Speech therapists
The maximum annual coverage amount for this benefit ranges between $200 and $1,000 per specialist.
Medical Supplies and Services
This type of health service provides coverage for the rental and/or purchase of medical equipment required for the treatment of certain illnesses or injuries. The list of covered items includes, but is not limited to:
- Canes
- Crutches
- Hearing aids
- Hospital beds
- Insulin syringes
- Kidney dialysis equipment
- Orthopedic shoes and orthotics
- Oxygen and oxygen supplies
- Prostheses and braces for arms, legs, neck and back
- Support hose and compression socks and stockings
The maximum annual coverage amount for these benefits vary, as they may have their separate maximums or combined maximums. This also depends on the insurance provider.
Vision Coverage
This type of health service provides coverage for eligible vision care claims. This includes:
- Eye exams
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
The maximum annual coverage amount for this benefit ranges between $100 and $350 per employee.
Hospital Coverage
This type of health service provides coverage for eligible private and semi-private hospital rooms.
Out-of-province emergency medical services
This type of health service provides coverage for out-of-province emergency medical expenses, generally for 30-90 days of continuous travel. The amount of continuous travel days varies from one insurance provider to the next.
Other health care benefits
This type of health service provides coverage for other emergency medical expenses, including:
- Ambulance transport services
- Accidental dental (coverage maximum ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 annually)
- Private duty nursing (coverage maximum ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 annually)
Where can I get these plans?
Group Extended Health Care Benefits can be purchased from most licensed insurance brokers like us. You can get a FREE quote today to compare packages and rates from different group benefits providers by clicking the “Get a Quote” button above.
