You’ve been to the webinars. You’ve seen the presentations. You’ve read the pamphlets, but you’re still wondering… what the heck are paramedical services?
They keep getting mentioned, but you aren’t exactly sure what they are. Maybe you don’t want to disturb the flow of the presentation to ask, or you could just be shy. I totally get that.
If you’ve been wondering, this handy blog is for you. I am here to explain what paramedical services are, what kinds you can access, and how they benefit and improve your life in retirement. I’ll also explain the term “combined annual maximums” and show you how they give you more control over your health journey.
So, what exactly are paramedical services?
As we all age, sometimes we just need that little bit of extra care.
Maybe it’s help managing chronic pain, arthritis, maintaining mobility, or recovering from an old injury.
Paramedical services are a range of treatments and services offered by licensed practitioners outside of your usual doctor’s office (and usually not performed by doctors themselves). These services are focused on maintaining your overall health. Paramedical services are typically seen as preventative or complimentary along with regular visits to your primary care specialist.
Paramedical coverage allows you to access various services to help maintain and improve your overall health.
Here is a list of all the paramedical service providers covered by ARTA Benefit Plans as of November 2024:
- Massage Therapists – Relieve muscle tension and improve circulation
- Chiropractors – Help with spinal alignment and back pain
- Physiotherapists – Assist with injury recovery and mobility
- Acupuncturists – Use traditional techniques to reduce pain and improve balance
- Naturopaths – Focus on holistic and natural health solutions
- Podiatrists – Address foot and lower limb health concerns
- Psychologists and social workers – Provide mental health support
- Speech Therapists – Help with communication and cognition
- Osteopaths – Address musculoskeletal issues and improve mobility
- Athletic Therapists – Focus on preventing, assessing, and rehabbing musculoskeletal injuries
- Dieticians/Nutritionists – Provide specialized nutrition counselling and support
- Occupational Therapists – Help maintain or regain the ability to perform daily tasks
Managing your overall health, supporting an active and engaged lifestyle, and helping you maintain your mobility and independence make these services an invaluable part of your retirement benefit plan considerations.
How Are These Services Covered?
With ARTA Benefit Plans, you will have what is called a combined annual maximum to cover the cost of paramedical services. What does that mean?
Let’s use the ARTA Benefits Health Wise Plus plan as an example. As part of this plan, you get $1,400/year as a combined maximum for paramedical coverage. This means you get to decide how you use that $1,400 based on the services you need, and you are not locked into rigid structures for services you don’t find yourself using.
Maybe you don’t need a dietician but visit a registered massage therapist often. In this case, you can use some (or all) of your annual maximum toward the service you actually need and use.
Instead of defined amounts for each individual service, ARTA Benefit Plans give you the freedom to use the coverage you need on the services you want.
Why You Should Consider ARTA Benefit Plans
ARTA Benefit Plans’ combined annual maximum provides you with the freedom to use your benefits your way.
You can compare our benefit plan options to find the plan that fits your needs. All ARTA Benefit Plans include a level of paramedical coverage to fit your lifestyle.
Our benefit plans are built by retirees, so they are tailored with you in mind and with options to help you live the retirement you’ve worked so hard for.
Enjoy Your Retirement with The Freedom to Choose Your Coverage Needs
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Have more questions? Contact our Member Services team at [email protected]
Or via phone at 1-855-444-ARTA (2782)
Jonathan Schieman
Digital Marketing Specialist