From http://www.jerichocounselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Insurance-Request-2018.pdf

 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to formally request that our health plan provider amend the parameters for counselling services in the benefit summary. I have been recently informed that any counselling provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor will not be covered by our existing extended insurance plan and I wish to change that.

Currently, any out of hospital counselling / psychological treatment covered by our extended health plan must be conducted by a Registered Psychologist or Registered Social Worker. I do not find this coverage to be adequate, especially given the limited choices for these two professionals in my area. Registered Clinical Counsellors (R.C.C.) are currently not considered qualified under our plan however many insurance providers list them as qualified providers of counselling / psychological services.

I am sure you are interested in finding ways to increase the amount of benefits employees are able to obtain without increasing any cost to the company. Registered Clinical Counsellor fees begin at $135 per session, as compared to Registered Psychologists whose fees range from $180 – $250 per session. It would appear that amending the benefit schedule to include R.C.C.’s would not cost our health care insurance provider any additional funds but would simply broaden the options for employees and family members insured under the plan. Indeed, the current exclusion of Registered Clinical Counsellors limits options for, and accessibility to, counselling services for employees and their families.

I have personally found a Registered Clinical Counsellor that is competent, experienced, and professional in the delivery of psychological / counselling services. I would like to retain the right to choose a counsellor whom I trust and whom I believe is helpful to me. I am concerned that I have been / may soon be unable to claim payment for these services. I am requesting that the expenses I incur with this Registered Clinical Counsellor be covered by our Extended Health Benefits Program.

Thank you for your kind consideration. I appreciate your prompt response and attention to this matter. Sincerely,