Le Lézard
Classified in: Health, Business, Covid-19 virus
Subjects: ECO, DIS, AVO

Chiropractors Commend the Government's new COVID-19 Financial Supports for Canadians Living with Disabilities


TORONTO, June 15, 2020 /CNW/ - The CCA applauds the federal government's recent announcement to provide a special one-time, tax-free payment to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This is an important step to address the needs of Canadians who are at higher risk of losing their job or face additional expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At least 4.7 million Canadians rely on services offered by chiropractors every year. A significant portion are people living with disabilities who require ongoing treatment and management of their musculoskeletal conditions like back, neck, and knee pain, as well as osteoarthritis. Yet, they continue to face an unfair obstacle in accessing the Disability Tax Credit designed to help them.

Despite chiropractors being primary contact health care providers who assess disability under similar provincial programs, the federal government still has not authorized chiropractors to assess for the DTC. This needs to change.

"This is an issue about accessibility and reducing barriers for patients," said Alison Dantas, CEO of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. "Canadians with disabilities who rely on chiropractors should not be forced to schedule an unnecessary visit to another practitioner who may not know the patient's history. This adds unnecessary, and sometimes costly, steps to the care pathway."

There is no cost to government to implement this change, as eligibility criteria for the DTC would remain the same. The CCA's request has widespread support from other primary care providers. The Canadian Nurses Association, the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, the Arthritis Society and the broad patient advocate community all support this change as does the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance who acknowledged this oversight in December 2018 and recommended that the government amend the Income Tax Act to allow chiropractors to assess their patients for the DTC benefit.

 "Our concern now is that patients living with disabilities have not been able to access the care they need because of COVID-19," Dantas said. "Reducing impediments for patients relying on chiropractors to manage their pain and disability is a priority for thousands of Canadians. Allowing chiropractors to assess for the DTC will improve the health of Canadians with disabilities while supporting the government's efforts to ensure the right supports are in place for all Canadians."

Chiropractic patients with disabilities deserve better. There is an opportunity for the government to continue supporting those most in need by improving access to primary health care. This simple change is a cost-effective solution that will streamline access for eligible patients, including many seniors, to receive the care they need when they need it.

Quick Facts

About the Canadian Chiropractic Association

The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents Doctors of Chiropractic across Canada who treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions that impact the health of millions of Canadians. Every year, at least 4.7 million Canadians rely on chiropractors to help them manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and disease. As one of Canada's largest primary contact health care professions, chiropractors provide evidence-based, non-invasive, drug-free manual therapies.

For more information please visit www.chiropractic.ca

 

SOURCE Canadian Chiropractic Association


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