Giovanni Temansja is a funding advisor who helps patients at the Sunnybrook Centre for Independent Living (SCIL) to navigate and apply for funding support for assistive devices.
He offers these general tips to help you:
Talk with your care team
If you are in the hospital or starting rehabilitation, you can learn more about assistive devices and options by talking with your physician, physiotherapist and or your occupational therapist.
See your family doctor
If you are in the community, Giovanni recommends making an appointment with your family doctor to discuss next steps. They can refer you to a specialist or prosthetist. Giovanni recommends getting a physician’s referral because it is required when applying for funding coverage.
Check your private health insurance plan
If you also have health insurance with a private company, it’s important to find out what your plan may cover, Giovanni advises. “Always submit your quote [the potential cost of the medical device] to your insurance provider for a pre-determination first,” says Giovanni. “You may be asked to pay upfront, unlike your dental plan, but your plan may be able to waive this requirement depending on your situation.”
Bring all documents to your specialist appointment
“Patients referred to us at SCIL bring in all information in addition to their OHIP card and possible private health insurance coverage,” says Giovanni.
If you are receiving social assistance, he recommends that you also bring to your specialist, your most recent proof of social assistance to confirm that coverage. “That way, they have the complete picture. They are able to prepare the appropriate funding options based on your financial situation,” he says.
Learn about other potential partial funding sources
Charities are also a possible resource for additional funding assistance. They generously help specific patient populations and depending on your medical condition and assistive device need, you may be eligible for additional funding support.
