At myHSA, we follow the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) stance on multi-jurisdictional guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency for our users across Canada. This approach allows us to recognize eligible practitioners regardless of the province in which they operate. Here’s what this means for you:
What is the Multi-Jurisdictional Rule?
Practitioners who are recognized as eligible in one province are considered eligible across Canada under our plans. For example, if a practitioner like a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is authorized in British Columbia, we extend that recognition nationwide. This ensures you have flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers, no matter where you live or receive services.
Why We Take This Approach
The CLHIA highlights the importance of consistency for benefits plans, especially for employers and individuals with a presence in multiple jurisdictions. The “ordinary meaning” interpretation of medical services allows us to:
Eliminate Discrepancies: Avoid province-by-province variations that could complicate coverage.
Ensure Fairness: Provide equitable access to healthcare practitioners, whether you’re in British Columbia, Ontario, or anywhere else in Canada.
Support Flexibility: Empower you to choose the healthcare professional that best meets your needs, without worrying about local regulatory variations.
CLHIA Support for Consistency
The CLHIA states:
"A significant further advantage of the 'ordinary meaning' approach is that it allows a plan for an employer with employees in multiple jurisdictions within Canada to provide the same benefits to all insured members on a consistent basis, rather than having to customize coverage on a province-by-province basis based on what services are considered to be locally permitted under the METC."
By aligning with this perspective, we prioritize simplicity, fairness, and accessibility for all users of our platform.
What This Means for You
If a practitioner is recognized as eligible in one province, you can confidently submit claims for their services, no matter where you reside in Canada.
This approach applies to a range of health professionals, such as:
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Social Workers
Psychotherapists
Massage Therapists
Acupuncturists
Naturopaths
And more!
Staying Aligned with Best Practices
While the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) ties eligibility to provincial regulations, our approach follows CLHIA’s recommendation for multi-jurisdictional consistency. This allows us to focus on providing you with a seamless and flexible experience when accessing healthcare services.
If you have questions about practitioner eligibility or specific claim requirements, feel free to reach out to our adjudication team at adjudicator@getmyhsa.com.
We’re here to help!