All services that we provide at Barber Prosthetics are funded through the fee-for-service payment model.
Clients typically partner with Health Insurance of BC (PharmaCare) and/or WorkSafe BC, and are responsible for all remaining charges. There are various funding agencies in BC and in Canada who may either be primary, secondary or tertiary payers for prosthetics. Funding scenarios are unique to each individual person who is an amputee. We are happy to provide any documentation or estimates required by government programs, private insurance companies, and other agencies who may be providing financial support. And of course, let us know how we can help to further clarify this important part of your prosthetic care.
+ BC Fair Pharmacare
Pharmacare is the main funding source for most individuals who are BC residents. Eligibility to register for Pharmacare is based on a few things. The person who is an amputee has to be a BC resident. Persons with amputations have to be enrolled in the BC Medical Services plan (MSP). As well, a personal income tax return has to have been filed for the relevant year (2 years prior to year of registration) by the amputee or their family/parents/guardians, whichever is applicable.
Funding through Pharmacare is very individual and each person who is an amputee or his or her family will have a deductible. This deductible dollar amount is based on their combined family income. This deductible is for a full calendar year and resets on January 1st of each year. For details please refer to their website below.
General Pharmacare Plan information
Call their Registration Desk at 604-683-7151 or 1-800-663-7100 to register or with any questions about Pharmacare particularly regarding the current status of your deductible.
Please note: Your registration with Fair Pharmacare must be in place before we can apply, provide and bill for any prosthetic care and services for you.
+ WorkSafe BC (and other Provincial WCBs)
Individuals, who have become amputees through a workplace accident or incident and have an established and active claim with Worksafe BC or any other provincial WCB, are eligible for prosthetic care funding. We send in estimates on your behalf and invoice Work safe directly for any prosthetic care we have prior approval for and provide to you. Please make sure you bring along your valid Claim number and Case Manager name and contact number when you visit us.
+ First Nations Health-Pacific Blue Cross
As of 2019, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has partnered with BC-based benefits provider Pacific Blue Cross to process prosthetic claims. In order to apply for funding for all services and/or supplies, a doctor’s prescription is required. Once a prescription is obtained, a predetermination request will be sent to PBC on your behalf before treatment begins.
Please note that if a FNHA client is covered by more than one benefit plan (e.g. provincial or other private benefit plan), claims must be submitted to that plan first, and the FNHA plan second.
Barber Prosthetics Clinic will bill Pacific Blue Cross on your behalf once all services are approved and provided.
+ War Amps of Canada
The War Amps of Canada has 3 different funding programs. War Amps is a national Canadian non-profit charitable organization that provides financial assistance, education and advocacy for persons who are amputees in Canada provided they are registered with the organization.
CHAMP PROGRAM (Child Amputee Program)
All children who are born as or become an amputee at any time while they are under the age of 18 are eligible to register with the CHAMPS program. Children must be registered with the program in order to obtain assistance. This is a simple and straightforward application process that can be done directly with the War Amps centre in Ottawa or through the prosthetic clinic on your behalf. CHAMPS is in place to help with funding that the Provincial plans or extended health care plans will not cover. The CHAMP is a CHAMP for life.
ADULT CHAMP PROGRAM
When a CHAMP turns 25, they graduate to Adult Champ status. The rules basically remain the same.
WAR AMPS
Any individual who is a Canadian citizen and becomes an amputee as an adult (at the age of 18 or later) is eligible to register with the ADULT WAR AMPS Program.
+ Extended Health Care Benefit Plans
Many people either through their work place, or privately, have access to Extended Health Care benefits through which they may have some prosthetic coverage. All extended health care plans vary greatly in what they may or may not cover with respect to Prosthetics and so it is the responsibility of the patient to inquire about this themselves. This is paramount so you are fully informed of your coverage and so there are no surprises. The best way to do this is to call or email the insurance company, give them your plan and ID #’s and ask for clarification and verification of your prosthetic coverage. Having this in writing is best. Then after having an assessment done by your Certified Prosthetist here, an estimate can be prepared by our office which can submit to your extended health insurance company, along with any other requirements they deem necessary (such as a doctor’s prescription) for prior approval.
Typically, Extended Health Insurance companies require a fully paid receipt for reimbursement. Prior arrangement may be made by the patient for Assignment of Payment with their insurance company if that option is available.
+ Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC)
If you have become an amputee because of a motor vehicle accident and there was no settlement or award, ICBC may be your primary funding source. This has to be determined by the patient and an approval for funding by ICBC must be in place prior to any prosthetic services being provided.
NOTE: Funding approval from all sources must be in place prior to any prosthetic work being done. This is policy with all providers of financial assistance as well as Barber Prosthetics Clinics policy.