Paramedical Coverage
The Red River College benefits program provides coverage under applicable options for a variety of Paramedical Practitioners to support your health and wellness. Reimbursement of Paramedical expenses is based on your benefit option selected with consideration of the reasonable and customary limits.
What is a Paramedical Practitioner?
The term Paramedical is used to describe medical professional practitioners including:
- Audiologist
- Athletic Therapist
- Chiropractor
- Dietician
- Massage Therapist
- Naturopath
- Osteopath
- Physiotherapist
- Podiatrist/Chiropodist
- Psychologist/Social Worker
- Speech Therapist
In order for your paramedical expense to be considered eligible under the group benefits plan, your paramedical practitioner must be licensed by the appropriate provincial or federal organization (as applicable).
Virtual Health Care During COVID-19
As we continue to practice social distancing to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, virtual health care is available. Canada Life will accept receipts for virtual appointments from the following paramedical practitioners:
- Dietitian
- Naturopath
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist/Social Worker
- Speech therapist
These are all subject to your benefit option selected and usual reasonable and customary limits. Please make sure to get proof of payment and submit these claims to Canada Life like any other claim.
Reasonable & Customary
Reimbursement of Health Care expenses, including coverage for paramedical practitioners, is subject to maximum amounts applicable to each benefit and considers reasonable and customary charges.
Reasonable – Treatment is considered reasonable if it is accepted by the Canadian medical profession, proven to be effective, and is of a form, intensity, frequency and duration essential to diagnosis or management of the disease or injury.
Customary – Customary charges are the lowest of:
- Representative prices in the area where the treatment was provided,
- Prices shown in any applicable professional association or fee guide, and
- Maximum prices established by law
Paramedical expenses may also be eligible under your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), if applicable. The Income Tax Act governs the type of expenses that can be reimbursed under the HCSA. As the list of eligible medical expenses and authorized medical practitioners by province is subject to change, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca and search medical expenses for a complete list.
The above is a summary of the provisions of the group plan. In the event of a discrepancy between this benefit and the master contract, the terms of the group contract will apply.
Supporting Your Wellness
May is Mental Health month and more than ever, it is critical we practice good mental health hygiene. Good mental health hygiene includes:
- Getting quality sleep, which can leave us rested, clear-headed and able to keep up with the demands of our routine.
- Regular physical activity is key to maintaining a balanced mental and physical state by reducing stress and our improving mood.
- Eating a balanced diet heavy in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins that can help our body’s capacity to cope with emotions.
- Reaching out for support when we need it.
You can access confidential support 24/7 through the Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Your EFAP can help with a variety of situations such as stress, anxiety, life change and transitions, relationship concerns, etc.
Your full suite of EFAP services includes counselling, Life Smart Coaching and Online resources, including homeweb.ca where you can find tips on how to improve your mental health hygiene.
The EFAP is a professional and confidential service to support you in all aspects of your life. Click here to review the Homewood Health EFAP resources available to you and to get contact information.
