As inflation rates have surged, the demand for financial assistance within our community has risen significantly. We’ve experienced a notable increase in requests for information regarding drug and accessory coverage, provincial programs for low-income individuals, disability tax credits, successful application processes, and more.
To address the growing needs of our community, we are launching a Financial Help and Resources Series. These new resources will be gradually released throughout 2024 and 2025, aiming to encompass support options available in each province.
What’s available to bladder cancer patients?
When confronted with a bladder cancer diagnosis, it’s crucial to understand your options and rights in financial matters. Some key aspects to be aware of include:
- Your Personal/Workplace Health Insurance Plan – Read your insurance manual carefully and don’t be afraid to call your HR department or insurance provider to help clarify any questions you may have.
- Drug Navigators/Drug Reimbursement Specialists – Many hospitals have specialists that can help you find ways to cover the full or partial costs of drugs.
- Provincial Coverage – Every province has different programs that can help cover the costs of prescriptions, devices, and/or drugs. You can find information on each province’s program on the Government of Canada’s website, under the Health section.
- Employment & Disability – Dependent on your situation, you may qualify for paid sick leave, short-term disability, or long-term disability. You can find more information on the Government of Canada’s website, under the Taking Leave section
- Employee Rights & Protections when facing cancer – Cancer patients cannot lose their job because they need to take time off for treatment and/or appointments. Employees who work in federally-regulated industries are governed by the Canadian Human Rights Code which requires employers to meet a ‘Duty to Accommodate’. You can find more information on the Government of Canada’s website under the Taking Leave Section (sick leave, care of family)
- Employees who work in provincially-regulated industries are governed by provincial human rights legislation in their province and their employer is expected to make reasonable accommodations for medical treatments and/or appointments. Examples of reasonable accommodations are a phased return to work, different working hours (e.g. part-time, flexible start and finish times, work from home), and time off for medical appointments. More information can be found on your provincial government’s website.
- Tax Considerations – You may be eligible for the medical expense tax credit (METC), and/or the federal disability tax credit (DTC).
a. Read more information on the Medical Expense Tax Credit from a CPA & Bladder Cancer Canada Volunteer
b. Information on the Disability Tax Credit – Educational video to come in early March! - Government Benefits you may qualify for:
a. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability
b. Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
c. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
d. Employment Insurance Benefits (EI) - Accessory/Device Assistance Programs – Assistance programs vary from province to province, but all provide some type of support. Review the list of programs here: PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR DEVICES/ACCESSORIES
Helpful Videos:
| Cancer Survivor to Financial Survivor – Navigating Your Private Health Insurance Plan – Hosted by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network | Drug Reimbursement Program – Odette Cancer Centre (ON Specific) – Video by Sunnybrook Hospital | Short-Term & Long-Term Disability – Video by Wellspring |
| Webinar: Oncology Drug Access Navigators: Benefits to Patients & Health Care Teams, hosted by Canadian Cancer Survivor Network | Cancer Survivor to Financial Survivor – Budgeting for a New Normal – Hosted by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network |
Helpful Links:
