Seniors must deal with transportation costs to visit doctors
Doctors visits were a topic for discussion during the May 1 meeting of the Cape Breton Council of Seniors and Pensioners.
A member mentioned to the council executive that it’s the policy of some doctors to only see a patient for one issue per visit and this can cause great difficulty for many seniors who have to pay for transportation to and from doctors visits.
Many rural seniors would find this especially difficult due to the lack of public transportation in rural areas. If a senior is managing multiple chronic conditions, the cost of getting to and from a doctor’s appointment can be a contributing factor to a senior’s inability to successfully manage these conditions.
“This issue is very concerning,” said council secretary Clotilda Yakimchuck. “It’s difficult enough to struggle with the rising costs of living and managing chronic illnesses, adding inability to see your doctor for more than one issue at a time can just be unaffordable for many seniors. We would like to see the doctors who are currently using this policy to consult their senior patients and see if they could possibly be caus- ing them some difficulty.”
Another concern brought up was the cost of ambulance fees.
Some seniors who felt they needed an ambulance were concerned about the cost and so were afraid to make the call but as of September 2012, all Nova Scotians with a valid Nova Scotia health card will be charged a service fee of $142.30. If the payment of the total amount of the invoice creates a financial hardship, a repayment schedule will be offered. If the patient is unable to pay the bill, based on the level of income, the patient can apply to have the invoice waived under the ambulance fee assistance program. For more information on this program telephone the EHS billing office at 1-800-2808884.
The council would like to remind any senior who is having difficulties, to contact them with questions or issues. Anyone in need of assistance can contact president Emerson Jessome, 736-2174, first vice-president Bernie LaRusic, 562-1901, treasurer Jack Compton, 562-2117 or secretary Clotilda Yakimchuck, 562-7280.
Also the seniors council’s annual awards presentation will take place in June at the Whitney Pier Seniors Club, 50 Breton St. in Sydney. A potluck meal and music will follow the awards presentation.