The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) Panel selected to review the definition of Catastrophic Injuries has released their report.
To those consumers not familiar with this, see my previous blog “Catastrophic Impairment under a Microscope.” It was anticipated that the review of the definition would give rise to maintaining or granting greater access to medical and rehabilitation benefits to those suffering catastrophic injuries. The last set of changes made by the Ontario Government in September 2010 saw many accident benefits slashed in half or eliminated for the less seriously injured. These cuts were made in order to ensure that the system was financially able to protect those suffering from the more disabling catastrophic injuries. Therefore it was extremely alarming to see that the FSCO Review Panel has recommended new changes which will make it more restrictive for the seriously injured victims to meet the catastrophic definition.
If implemented, a large portion of these victims will be denied the designation and suffer greatly with the reduced benefits. The changes prevent the injured person from having psychological injuries combined with physical injuries when conducting the assessment. As well, they propose to get rid of the GCS score as a designator for those suffering brain injuries. The brain injury victim will no longer be able to qualify based on the early GCS score, but would rather be subject to a longer and more detailed assessment. An assessment which will delay benefits from flowing and costs significantly more.
This means that many people who suffer serious brain impairments, psychological injuries and physical injuries will be denied access to meaningful benefits in the future. The funds normally spent to get the seriously injured victims better or allow them to live with dignity will simply remain within the insurance companies. Of course, this will in turn increase the profitability of the insurance industry and put higher demands on the public health system.
However, the panel is only the first step in the review. The recommendations are not yet law. FSCO and the Government also requested submissions from the legal and medical communities. The deadline of May 13, 2011 has now passed. The response by these communities has been loud and clear. The recommendations are premature, flawed and ought not to be implemented.
A panel of prominent medical specialists in field of traumatic injuries have taken objection to the recommendations. This panels’ review was endorsed by the Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers of Ontario. The medical outcry is of no surprise, since the recommendations now being made are at complete odds with a 2001 Medical Panel Review. The September 2001 Review was supported by the insurance, legal and medical communities.
The major legal organizations have also stood up and indicated that these recent recommendations ought not to be implemented. They include the Ontario Bar Association, The Advocates’ Society, and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.
Based on the resounding objection, one can not imagine the Government giving any weight to the proposed recommendations. What is interesting is that in the submission made by the Alliance, they understand that over half of the panel making these recommendations had been at one time consultants with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
What is really driving these recommendations?
Voice your Opposition to the Panel’s Recommendation and put people before profits. Send an email to your local MPP today before it is too late!
