Many families in Ontario do not know their many options when considering in-home care services for themselves or their loved ones. Ontario’s public benefits and certain private avenues make in-home healthcare more affordable than you think! Read on and learn more about how you can claim the coverage for which you qualify.
Do Benefits In Ontario Cover In-Home Care Costs?
In Ontario, many home care services are publicly funded and regulated through Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). LHINs arrange for health professionals to come to your home to provide a range of necessary services, including:
- Home Support
- Personal Support
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Dietetics
In London, we are in the South West LHIN. If you or a loved one requires in-home care are interested in publicly funded services, contact the LHIN to learn if you meet the requirements. Depending on the type of in-home care service you need, you may need a referral from your doctor. You must also be under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program.
It’s frustrating to learn that you don’t qualify for certain care services, or there’s no coverage under OHIP or IFH for your condition. What can you do if your needs aren’t covered by public benefits in Ontario?
What If I Don’t Qualify For Coverage?
Private home care is common for those who don’t qualify for publicly funded home care or want additional care on top of their current care plan. There are many provincial and federal tax credits, as well as other funds and private insurance, to help you bring more care to where you need it.
You may be eligible for grants, allowances or financial aids from federal or provincial government plans and tax credits. These financial aids can cover part or all the costs of the services, including:
- Ontario caregiver allowance
- Canada Caregiver Credits
- Veterans Emergency Fund
- Disability tax credits
Private in-home care may be covered in part or entirely by your insurance, depending on the coverage you have. Look at your private insurance plan or talk to a representative to see which home care services are covered and the conditions under which you are eligible to claim them.
For those still working, employee benefit plans often include health coverage for some in-home care services. If the benefits include short-term and long-term disability insurance, this can also provide additional funds to cover the costs of private home care services. If your in-home care is related to an injury from your work, you may also receive coverage from workplace safety insurance.
When assessing in-home care options, it’s important to realize what services you or your loved one needs and the services for which they qualify. Many options cover the needs of older adults and those who need care, letting them live in their own homes safely. Ageing in place has many benefits, and in-home care can make the most of them!