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Regulating Cost of Assistive Devices

Addressing unfair costs to ensure equitable health access for all.

Expand the definition of health care to include assistive devices as a regulated necessity

As Ontario’s population ages and life expectancies increase, access to affordable, high-quality assistive health devices, ranging from hearing aids and mobility equipment to respirators and diabetic supplies, is essential to maintaining independence and health. Unaddressed age-related impairments, such as hearing loss, carry broader societal health consequences, including an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Here is a list of organizations that provide assistive devices: https://cfuwontcouncil.org/list-of-assistive-devices

KEY FACTS

The numbers behind our position

< 20%

Of working Canadians are covered by private post-retirement benefits

$1,000 — $6,000

Cost of hearing aids per pair

25% or more

Amount consumer has to pay for their devices

12.5%

Ontarians who live below the poverty line, unable to afford devices

WHAT WE'RE ASKING THE PROVINCE

Our position

01

Expand the definition of health care to include assistive devices as a regulated necessity

02

Create a provincial Assistive Devices Review Board

03

Eliminate cost barriers to assistive devices as it falls the hardest on those already facing the greatest barriers to participation — seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income Ontarians.

Downloads & further reading

DOWNLOAD

Factsheet: Regulate the Cost of Assistive Devices

DOWNLOAD

OC Resolution, Assistive Medical Devices

DOWNLOAD

OC Letter to Premier & Minister of Health

TAKE ACTION

Join us to help the fight to eliminate cost barriers

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