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Posts Categorized: medical and rehabilitation benefits

Changes to the Car Accident Treatment System > May Reduce Consumer Care Options

The Issue

Premised on the need to fight fraud, Ontario Regulation 194/11 is being introduced effective July 1, 2011.
The Effect

Car insurers can ask for backgfound information and identity confirmation for all service providers who seek to provide treatment to people involved in car accidents.

Car insurers can also request copies (or inspect originals) of all supporting documentation relating to treatment plans which are submitted on behalf of people hurt in car accidents.

Payment for treatment is not required until all of this information is provided.… Continue Reading

Catastrophic Impairment Designation Set to Undergo Changes

In November, 2010, FSCO (Financial Services Commission of Ontario) announced that it was Forming the “catastrophic impairment expert panel” to study and make recommendations on definition of catastrophic impairment.

The 8 person catastrophic impairment expert panel will post their preliminary report on the issue on April 11, 2011.

The panel will then hold an informational session on April 28, 2011, as well as receiving feedback in writing.

Written feedback is accepted until May 13, 2011.
Gregory Chang
Toronto Insurance Lawyer… Continue Reading

New SABS Changes > Chinese News Group

Our thanks to Chinese News Group and Nancy Jin for allowing us to participate in their October 22, 2010 article about the changes to Ontario’s SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule) in September 1, 2010.  The article is also here in PDF format.

As background, readers may wish to review our:

· blogs on changes to Ontario’s Accident Benefits systemParts 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9;

· our blogs on Accident Benefits cases in general; and

· our FAQS regarding background information on Accident Benefitsand motor vehicle accidents.… Continue Reading

Scope of Rule 53.03 > Use of Accident Benefits Experts in Your Tort Lawsuit

After being involved in an Ontario car accident, you will likely apply for Accident Benefits under our no-fault regime.  You may claim for income replacement benefits, medical and rehabilitation benefits (i.e. physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, massage, acupuncture, prescription medications etc), attendant care, re-training or vocational assessment benefits or other benefits.

After you apply for the benefit, your Accident Benefits insurer may seek to test or evaluate your request, by sending you to be examined at an independent medical examination (i.e. IME) by a medical practitioner of their choosing. … Continue Reading

Buying More Insurance Protection > Accident Benefit Changes in Ontario – Part 8

A useful article last week in The Globe and Mail by Ms Romanov on insurance rates and the effect of your accident history, as well as having young drivers on your policy.

With the introduction of the new SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule) in Ontario in September, 2010, consumers should be aware that now there is more to consider, in terms of optional coverage, when renewing their car insurance policy.

For example, caregiving and housekeeping benefits were previously included in the standard auto policy but now are eliminated for non-catastrophic (CAT) claims. … Continue Reading

Income Replacement Benefits and the Minor Injury Guideline > Accident Benefit Changes in Ontario – Part 7

The new SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule) in Ontario, introduced in September, 2010, is found here.

The Minor Injury Guideline is found on the FSCO (Financial Services Commission of Ontario) website here.

Given that the focus and purpose of the Minor Injury Guideline is to guide claimants to maximal medical recovery within the $3,500 hard cap, query whether this will affect the application of the income replacement benefits issue across the board.

Under the Minor Injury Guideline, there is approximately $1700 worth of treatment anticipated in the initial 3 blocks of treatment. … Continue Reading

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