Paramedical Benefits Coverage 101

With the stress of teaching, and the demands of life in general, many members use the professional services of paramedical practitioners to help them stay healthy. Our collective agreement provides coverage for a variety of paramedical practitioners and sets out the coverage level for each. Here's an overview of the coverage we have in our medical plan:

• Psychologist: Expenses of up to $100 per visit for treatment or therapy, to a maximum payment of $1000 per person, per calendar year **See the post from earlier in the week for more information about mental health supports available to members
• Speech Therapist, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Chiropodist, Naturopath, Physiotherapist, Massage Therapist and Christian Science Practitioner: coverage of up to a total of $400 per person, per calendar year for EACH practitioner
• Important note: practitioners must be licensed, certified or registered within their recognized fields for coverage to be approved by Manulife. This is particularly important for MASSAGE THERAPY, where you must submit only expenses from registered massage therapists, and for the services of a NATUROPATH - they must be a licensed naturopathic doctor (a regulated profession in Ontario), NOT a Doctor of Natural Medicine (not licensed or regulated).