Advocacy

Advocacy

When you have a family member or friend who is ill or has special needs, you may find yourself in the position of advocate. We know this can be an uncomfortable role to fill, especially if you are not the adversarial type or you are unfamiliar with the health care system. The struggle to obtain treatment or services is a never-ending challenge and the lack  of coordination in our system quickly becomes apparent. It can be difficult to navigate the health and legal systems without proper information and advice.

We can assist you in the following ways:

• Providing advice on legal rights and obligations
• Negotiating on your behalf or helping you stand up for yourself
• Seeking accommodation
• Drafting demand letters
• Representing you at legal tribunals including the Consent and Capacity Board (CCB), Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB), and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
• Appealing refusals to provide treatment or services
• Seeking OHIP reimbursement for out-of-country health services
• Appealing decisions from OHIP denying reimbursement for out-of-country health services
• Assistance with obtaining ODSP or challenging refusals of coverage
• Negotiating bills for health care services
• Complaining about home care services / community services
• Making privacy complaints
• Packaging your story before contacting the media
• Representing your position to health care institutions
• Responding to legal letters
• Reviewing and providing feedback on your draft correspondence / complaint