The simplified forms relieve administrative burden for physicians
Life and health insurers in Canada have streamlined the process for disability claims to alleviate the strain on physicians while also allowing easier and quicker access to benefits.
Insurers are now adopting a harmonized disability medical form which can be used to begin disability claims for both short-term and long-term cases. They are also beginning to retire their company-specific forms, which have long slowed the process.
Stephen Frank, the president and CEO of Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), noted the importance of reducing the number of medical forms for those hoping to claim their benefits, especially with the current strain felt by the healthcare system.
“Life and health insurers, who deliver healthcare benefits to 27 million Canadians, are committed to working together with government and healthcare partners on solutions to improve Canada's healthcare system,” said Frank.
The move towards a harmonized disability medical form had been in the works for more than five years, with the collaboration of insurers, governments, and medical associations. Prior to the change, the number of disability medical forms had already been reduced to four.
While insurers will immediately accept the new form, it is still understood that it may take nearly a year to fully transition to the new form and have it uploaded across all websites. CLHIA Vice President, Group Benefits Joan Weir said that the organization encouraged businesses who provide workplace benefits to use the new form to “reduce administrative burden” within the healthcare system.
The Canadian Medical Association expressed its appreciation for the unified disability form, with Dr. Margot Burnell, its president noting that it will help in simplifying the process for both physicians and patients.
Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, president of the Ontario Medical Association, added that the form will allow physicians to focus on helping their patients and not be held back by paperwork.
The disability medical form is available on the CLHIA website.
