Ontario’s top doctor says long COVID funding decisions in the works

With proposals pouring in from hospitals, Ontario’s top doctor believes the province could be getting ready to announce funding decisions for a long COVID strategy.

“I’ve seen the proposals and I don’t want to pre-empt any ministry announcements, but I think they’re about to make some funding decisions in the near future,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a recent Canadian Press interview.

Despite being disbanded, Ontario’s Science Table is calling for a proactive and comprehensive plan to address long COVID, which it said is likely to impart a significant burden on the province’s population and health-care system.

“There are over 100 symptoms reported in people with the post COVID-19 condition spanning multiple physiologic systems,” the panel of experts said in a brief on September 7, 2022.

“These burdensome symptoms appear to be associated with poor quality of life, reduced function, and impairments in people’s ability to work and care for themselves.”

The Science Table added that substantial investments in research, clinical care, and health policy are necessary to care for people with post COVID-19 conditions in the future. The advisory board believes the impacts could extend beyond traditional medical care.

• Example: If someone’s ability to work is reduced because of long COVID, they might require government assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Plan.

In response to the brief, the Ministry of Health said it is reviewing the findings.

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Long-term disability rights during COVID-19

In Canada, most long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies will pay benefits if you can show that you have a disability that prevents you from working. This includes individuals in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. who have coverage.

What is critical for all claims, whether physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, or a combination, is having your treating doctor or medical professional indicate that your condition is significant enough that you aren’t able to work.

If long COVID is affecting your ability to work, and you have medical documentation from your doctor stating your condition is significant enough that you are unable to work, then you are entitled to claim for and receive LTD benefits for as long as you remain disabled.

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WATCH: Disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin explains the three things you should do if you are unable to work because of COVID-19 on an episode of the Disability Law Show.

Long-term disability denied? Don’t appeal

If your LTD claim is denied by your insurance provider, you will likely receive a letter inviting you to appeal the decision.

While it might seem like a good idea to do so, in almost all cases, the appeals process will be handled by the same insurer that denied your claim.

Insurance companies make money by not paying claims. They often use the appeals process (sometimes leading claimants to request multiple appeals) to run out the clock on your ability to file a claim against them to get the money you are owed.

If your LTD claim is denied, cut off, or comes under “investigation”, contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately.

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Denied LTD due to long COVID? Speak with a disability lawyer

If long COVID is affecting your ability to work, and your insurance provider has denied your LTD claim, contact the experienced disability law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Toronto and Ottawa regularly resolve life insurance, mortgage insurance, and LTD claim denials. We can help ensure that you get the compensation you are owed.