Himelfarb Proszanski Supports Protest Against New Insurance Laws

News of new insurance changes as part of the provincial budget has not been well received. These changes mean that the combined coverage for the catastrophically injured is being cut in half. Originally the benefits were set at $2 million and, with this new legislation, they are being reduced to $1 million. This has a dramatic effect on the medical, rehabilitation and attendant care costs that come with these types of auto injuries. Among the concerns is how these cuts are going to adversely affect those with critical injuries, such as brain and spinal cord injuries.

For non-catastrophic accidents medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefit coverage is now rolled into one with a limit of $65,000, which is a reduction from the original combined limit of $86,000. Medical and rehabilitative coverage is only available for five years – down from the previous time period of ten years. In addition, non-earner benefits for injured parties who do not work and are not caregivers for children or the elderly are now limited to only two years.

In protest, a rally was held at the Queen’s Park Main Legislative Building on June 3rd. Representatives from the personal injury department of Himelfarb Proszanski attended in support of those who were protesting these new changes.

The changes to these benefits have become the focus of many different groups, such as the Brain Injury Society of Toronto, and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. NeuroConnect and FAIR Association have formed the Accident Benefit Coalition as advocates for accident victims in Ontario.

These changes will have an impact, not only on the victims of auto accidents, but their families as well. The public has got to stand up to the Ontario government and voice their concerns. Aside from the rally, interested individuals can sign a petition, as well as bring their concerns to the attention of their local MPP.

The Government’s response to the concerns of those against these new changes is to merely reiterate how they are working hard to create an affordable insurance system. They are stating that they are committed to ensuring that these changes are not going to result in excess profits for insurance companies. Neither one of these reassurances make much sense when the true impact of these changes is serving to keep more money in the insurance companies’ bank accounts.