Acronyms and Short Forms Glossary Download

• Introduction
• What is Rehab
• Rehab & Physical Issues
• Rehab & Emotional Issues
• Rehab & Cognitive Issues
• Rehab & Activities
• Accessing Services
  • Do I need Rehab?
  • Types of Services
  • Finding Services
  • Paying for Services
  • Communication
• Working with Rehab
• Sticking with Treatment
• Self-management
• Rehabilitation Resources

How am I going to pay for these services?

In some areas, publicly funded rehabilitation services may not be available or there may be long waiting lists. People may then consider paying for private rehabilitation services which may be a challenge.  Talk to your doctors, other HIV+ people, and staff at AIDS service organizations to get some ideas.  Some possibilities for paying for rehabilitation include:

• For people on government provincial income assistance, some rehabilitation services may be covered.  Your doctor or the local AIDS service organization may be able to tell you more.
• Private insurance: If you are still working, or are on an employer’s disability benefits plan, the employer’s group insurance policy may cover rehabilitation services.  If you have private health insurance, the plan may cover rehabilitation services.  Read your employee benefits guide over carefully, as there might be limits to what services are covered, what percentage of the costs is covered, or a maximum dollar amount per year.
• AIDS service organizations (ASOs):  Some ASOs provide rehabilitation services or complementary therapy on site.  Often, this is through a partnership with student clinicians, who provide free services to HIV+ people in return for the experience hours.  Some ASOs may provide full or partial repayment of some healthcare services, including rehabilitation. 
• Provincial health plans: Coverage varies from province to province.  Some provinces may cover some non-prescription treatments for HIV+ people.  Check with your ASO to learn more about these treatments.
• Sliding scales and payment plans: If you cannot get coverage, you should have a talk with your rehabilitation professional.  Some therapists offer a sliding scale fee based on what you can afford to pay.  Others might let you make small payments over a longer period of time to access their services.
• You might be eligible for a tax rebate for treatments that you pay out of pocket.  Keep your receipts and check with a tax expert or your local ASO for information on what might be eligible¹.