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05-10-2011, 03:24 PM
Insurer promises access to renowned Mayo Clinic
'Read the fine print,' health-care critics say
By Pauline Tam, Ottawa Citizen May 10, 2011
A new private health-insurance plan is promising to provide Canadians with care at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United States, but critics are urging buyers to beware.
Currently, a handful of B.C. and Ontario companies act as brokers for Canadians seeking medical treatment at U.S. facilities. The new program by Assured Diagnosis Inc. of Calgary is believed to be the first to offer access to a centre such as the Mayo Clinic.
Policyholders are promised access to diagnostic expertise and second opinions delivered remotely by electronic consultations between Canadian physicians and Mayo Clinic experts. They are also promised onsite care, "if deemed appropriate," at the Mayo Clinic's sites in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona.
The insurance plan is aimed at Canadians up to age 75 who may be at risk of serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. It is not available to those who have congenital, pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Michael McBane, national co-ordinator for the left-leaning Canadian Health Coalition, said Canadians should be wary of the profit motive driving private insurers.
"The thing about private insurance is you've got to read the fine print. It looks great until you try to file a claim," said McBane. "Canadians who have had to file a claim for disabilities know that it's a hugely frustrating and negative experience. Insurance companies are in business to actually deny you benefits, even if you qualify."
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Insurer+promises+access+renowned+Mayo+Clinic/4754546/story.html#ixzz1LxnRgB00
'Read the fine print,' health-care critics say
By Pauline Tam, Ottawa Citizen May 10, 2011
A new private health-insurance plan is promising to provide Canadians with care at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the United States, but critics are urging buyers to beware.
Currently, a handful of B.C. and Ontario companies act as brokers for Canadians seeking medical treatment at U.S. facilities. The new program by Assured Diagnosis Inc. of Calgary is believed to be the first to offer access to a centre such as the Mayo Clinic.
Policyholders are promised access to diagnostic expertise and second opinions delivered remotely by electronic consultations between Canadian physicians and Mayo Clinic experts. They are also promised onsite care, "if deemed appropriate," at the Mayo Clinic's sites in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona.
The insurance plan is aimed at Canadians up to age 75 who may be at risk of serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. It is not available to those who have congenital, pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Michael McBane, national co-ordinator for the left-leaning Canadian Health Coalition, said Canadians should be wary of the profit motive driving private insurers.
"The thing about private insurance is you've got to read the fine print. It looks great until you try to file a claim," said McBane. "Canadians who have had to file a claim for disabilities know that it's a hugely frustrating and negative experience. Insurance companies are in business to actually deny you benefits, even if you qualify."
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Insurer+promises+access+renowned+Mayo+Clinic/4754546/story.html#ixzz1LxnRgB00