Insurance Coverage
Q: Is treatment covered by Alberta HealthCare?
A: No. Calgary Health Region has elected not to fund this program. Individuals who develop Lymphedema for non-oncology related reasons may have extended health benefits to help cover services.
Q: Is treatment covered by Alberta Cancer Board?
A: Yes. Effective November 2006, patients referred to our clinic from Oncologist's affiliated with Alberta Cancer Board receive limited coverage for assessment and treatment services, including basic bandaging supplies. This funding has been extended until December 31, 2008. Click here to download the Alberta Cancer Board Lymphedema Services Announcement. (PDF format)
Q: What about my Private Insurance Benefit Coverage?
A: If you or your spouse is employed in some capacity, you may have extended Healthcare insurance to cover various medical and allied health services not funded by Alberta Health Care. Part of the coverage often includes a maximum annual benefit for various therapy services.
Extended insurance and company health care plans vary dramatically and are changed or updated regularly. Plans that outline coverage for AT LEAST one of: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Surgical compression garments may cover services provided by Calgary Lymphedema Rehabilitation. We strongly recommend that patients contact their provider or plan administrator to clarify what services are provided. We will work to co-ordinate our services to meet your benefit guidelines.
Q: Personal Income Tax
A: It is important to save all treatment and compression garment receipts for a possible Medical Tax Credit. Professional services delivered by Physiotherapy and Occupational therapists are tax deductible medical expenses.
The Canada Revenue Agency also currently allows a tax credit for “an extremity pump or elastic support hose designed exclusively to relieve swelling caused by chronic Lymphedema.”
Ref. – “Medical Expense and Disability Tax Credits and Attendant Care Expense Deduction; Part LVII of the Regulations, Prescribed Medical Devices and Equipment” section of the Income Tax Act.
Also available at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/it519r2-consolid/it519r2-consolid-e.html#P277_59505
We strongly encourage you to discuss these options with your income tax planner, or check with Canada Revenue Agency for current updates to Federal tax laws.
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