The Workings Of The Manitoba Health Services Commission

Contemplating the skyrocketing cost of travel health insurance is something he finds sadness in. When he thinks about it, the heart of this 72 year old retired physician sinks. A retirement is something that you can earn but it may not be possible for you to enjoy it if you have a fixed income. The physician, who with his wife has spent winter in Barbados since retiring from the civil service six years ago. Just like how many seniors are upset over the changes in health insurance for the retired Canadians who spend winters in warmer climates or the so called snowbirds, he is too.

 Apart from the decisions made by many credit card companies to restrict benefits for card members, the changes in Ontario's health insurance program also put a squeeze on national travel health insurers. There has been a dramatic change when it comes to rates including a six month coverage for a couple over 60 costing as much as $5,590 or more with a $2,000 deductible. It was a travel health insurance committee that was formed by seniors in Manitoba to respond to this and what their chairman said was that Ontario's changes have driven health insurance costs through the roof.

 It was the manager of the individual health sales at a Manitoba insurance company who mentioned that the change resulted to the loss of a popular product which was a policy that topped up such credit card coverage. According to her, many years ago the changes in Ontario which were similar to changes in Manitoba sent shockwaves through the health insurance business throughout Canada. Taking the restrictions by the Manitoba Health Services Commission into consideration, affecting coverage from private insurers, people who have been out of the province for more than six months will not receive government coverage.

 Considering that he lived here for more than 40 years, he should be able to spend the winter away. And he says the Manitoba Health Services Commission has really clamped down, going so far as to phone airlines to confirm departure and arrival dates which seem to be excessive. For the doctor who has had hip replacement surgery, he prefers the mobility that is possible with the absence of snow and this is why travel to a warmer climate carries a greater significance.

 What he insists in this case is that he is not looking for a free ride. Here, he pays federal, provincial, and municipal taxes, he lives here during the summer, and the better part of his career has been spent in Manitoba. It is important to carry health insurance coverage when travelling because something as simple as a broken ankle can add up to $15,000 in no time. Taking this into consideration, know what treatments are excluded from coverage and what benefits are included. In terms of the total medical expenses including the cost of private insurance, if this exceeds three per cent of net income or $1,570 whichever is less then the balance is eligible to be claimed on income tax as a medical expense. It is also important to note the distinction between insurance with a deductible and co-insurance. 20 percent of the total claim if shouldered by the client while 80 percent is covered by the insurer when it comes to most co-insurance plans. When Manitobans undergo treatment abroad, the Manitoba Health Services Commission only pays for what the treatment would cost were it performed in Manitoba and the traveler picks up the difference.