February 2020 will be considered a landmark period for BC residents as ICBC announced its new no-fault, care-based automobile insurance system. Lawyers and law firms aren’t happy about it, as the new model essentially removes them (and their inflated legal costs) from the equation to effectively reduce rates and more importantly (and subsequently) increase care benefits. This is a win for everyone who has been frustrated by unaffordable access to alternative and more effective forms of treatment and therapy to address injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Below is what you need to know.
What You Need to Know About ICBC’s New Care Based Model as it Applies to Your Treatment and Therapy
BC Residents Will Finally Gain Greater Access to Physiotherapy Services
Did you know that at press (before the impending changes arrive) that the legal costs tied to filing claims to cover injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) cost the province $1.5 billion per year? One and a half billion! By switching to a no-fault insurance system that helps pay for MVA-related medical bills regardless of who caused the accident this $1.5 billion bust becomes dust in the accounting books of law firms. Moving forward, the savings get placed in the hands of the public, not only through lower insurance premiums (about 20%) but in the form of increased care benefits.
That’s right – ICBC will be increasing maximum care and treatment benefits, without you having to hire a law firm to fight for it. Maximum care is increasing to at least $7.5 million. Where therapy is required, there will also be an allotment of new care benefits for those most seriously injured. BC will finally be able to enjoy access to alternative forms of care, which includes chiropractic treatment in addition to a much a wider offering of physiotherapy services. Christine Bradstock, CEO of the Physiotherapy Association of BC, has expressed her pleasure in response to the ICBC announcement:
“As physiotherapists, we often see patients who require longer treatment times in order to fully recover or get back to full function. With these changes, patients will have the peace of mind knowing that their care and treatment benefits will be there when they need them and for as long as they need to get better and return to their daily lives.” (Christine Bradstock, CEO, Physiotherapy Association of BC)
When Does it Take Effect?
The new legislation is slated to kick in for May of 2021. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to get physiotherapy treatment for MVA-related injuries, not when you come to Absolute PhysioCare. Current ICBC injury claims can be brought directly to our Burnaby clinic, no matter where in the Greater Vancouver area you reside – for no fee. Once legislation increases the amount you’re entitled to you’ll be able to spend a lot more time receiving the best possible treatment and therapy at our clinic. Better yet, you may be able to enjoy even greater benefits today given that we offer direct billing physiotherapy if you are registered with key health insurance coverage providers.
If you have any additional questions about ICBC injury claims, chiropractic treatment, other physiotherapy services, or simply want to schedule your first consultation we encourage you to contact Absolute PhysioCare at 604.558.2273.