Great-West Life Insurance: Orthotics Coverage And Your Benefits

Great-West Life Insurance is a popular health insurance provider in Canada. They offer a range of health insurance plans, including coverage for custom orthotics and orthopedic shoes. While the specifics of each plan vary, most health insurance plans offered by Great-West Life Insurance cover custom-made orthotics, compression stockings, podiatry services, braces, and footwear modifications. Some plans also cover orthopedic footwear. However, it is important to carefully review the details of your specific plan to understand the extent of your coverage, as there have been some complaints about the company's customer service and claims handling.

Great-West Life Insurance covers custom orthotics

To submit a claim for custom orthotics to Great-West Life Insurance, you will need to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. This typically includes a full receipt outlining the breakdown of charges, a copy of the biomechanical assessment or gait analysis, details of the digital foot casting technique used, proof of manufacturing, and a detailed description of the type of orthotic created. Additionally, a prescription for custom orthotics must include a medical diagnosis and be written by a qualified medical professional, such as a physician, chiropodist, podiatrist, or orthopedic surgeon.

It is worth noting that there are different types of orthotics available, such as SportsFlex, SuperFlex, DressFlex, KidsFlex, CleatFlex, SkiFlex, and Performance Sport or Casual with Carbon Fiber. The cost of custom orthotics can vary depending on the type and length, with full-length orthotics typically costing more than half-length ones. Examination fees and follow-up office visits for pickup and fitting may also be included in the overall cost.

Great-West Life Insurance also offers coverage for other related services and products, such as compression stockings, podiatry services, braces, and footwear modifications. Some plans may even cover orthopedic footwear, but it is important to check the specifics of your plan. Overall, Great-West Life Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for custom orthotics and related services, but understanding your specific plan's coverage is essential to ensure a smooth reimbursement process.

Orthotics are prescribed medical devices

Custom orthotics are different from off-the-shelf inserts as they are specifically designed to address an individual's unique foot structure and needs. The process of making custom orthotics typically begins with taking a 3D image or cast of the foot, which is then used to create an orthotic that fits the patient's specific correction needs. The cost of custom orthotics can vary depending on the length and type, with full-length orthotics being more expensive than half-length ones. There may also be additional costs for examination and follow-up appointments.

When it comes to insurance coverage for orthotics, it is important to note that each insurance plan is different. While some health insurance plans may cover custom-made orthotics, others may not. It is always best to contact your insurance company directly to inquire about your specific plan's coverage details. In the case of Great-West Life Insurance, there have been varying reports of coverage for orthotics and orthopedic shoes. While some individuals have stated that their plans covered custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes, others have shared that their claims were denied.

To increase the likelihood of insurance coverage for orthotics, it is important to follow the insurance company's requirements. For example, a prescription for custom orthotics must include a medical diagnosis and be written by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physician, chiropodist, podiatrist, or orthopedic surgeon. Additionally, it is recommended to provide a full receipt outlining the breakdown of charges, a copy of the biomechanical assessment or gait analysis, details of the digital foot casting technique used, proof of manufacturing, and a detailed description of the orthotic created. By submitting all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that the orthotics are prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, individuals can improve their chances of receiving insurance coverage for this medical device.

Orthotics can be used to treat foot pain caused by diabetes

Diabetic foot pain is often caused by peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves are significantly affected by the disease. There are three types of peripheral neuropathy: sensory, autonomic, and motor neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy can cause sensitive pain, where the pain is not proportional to the cause. For example, simply touching the skin or placing a sheet over the feet can be painful. It can also cause numbness in the feet and symptoms such as burning, stabbing pain, or tingling.

Orthotics can help relieve diabetic foot pain by providing custom support and comfort. They uniformly distribute weight and reduce pressure in sensitive areas of the feet, offering extra cushioning and improving balance. Orthotics can also help correct structural abnormalities and protect the feet from further damage. Additionally, increasing daily movement and physical activity can help alleviate foot pain caused by diabetes.

To treat diabetic foot pain, it is essential to manage blood sugar levels and practice proper foot care. This includes checking the feet daily for any changes, keeping toenails trimmed and filed, wearing well-fitting shoes and socks, and protecting the feet from extreme temperatures. Seeking medical help for any foot issues is crucial, as early treatment can prevent serious complications such as infections and gangrene.

Orthotics can be full-length or half-length

It is unclear whether Great-West Life Insurance covers orthotics. While the company does provide coverage for custom orthotic inserts or orthopedic shoes, there is no definitive list of what qualifies as an orthopedic shoe. This means that it is challenging to determine if a particular type of orthotic will be covered until you submit a claim.

Orthotics can vary in length, and there are advantages to both full-length and half-length styles. Full-length orthotics are typically recommended by doctors because they do not slide or shift in your shoes, making them more efficient. However, one drawback is that they may not fit well when switching between shoes with different toe shapes. On the other hand, half-length orthotics can be easily transferred between shoes but tend to shift or move until they have been worn for a while and settled into the shoe. Ultimately, the choice between full-length and half-length orthotics comes down to personal preference, and some individuals may even opt to have multiple pairs to accommodate different shoe styles.

Full-length orthotics provide more coverage and can offer additional padding, which is beneficial for those who need extra cushioning or have painful calluses. However, the extra length may require a larger shoe size to accommodate the orthotic. In contrast, half-length orthotics only extend to the ball of the foot, providing all the functionality of a full-length orthotic without taking up as much space in the shoe. This makes them a preferred choice for those who want to avoid sizing up their footwear.

The cost of orthotics can vary depending on the length and features. For example, custom orthotics typically cost more than semi-custom or off-the-shelf options. Additionally, other costs such as examination and follow-up appointments should be factored in when considering the overall expense.

Great-West Life Insurance also covers orthopedic shoes

Great-West Life Insurance provides coverage for custom orthotic inserts and orthopedic shoes. This means that if you have been prescribed custom orthotics by a medical professional, such as a physician or podiatrist, you may be able to claim the cost of the orthotics and orthopedic shoes from Great-West Life Insurance.

To make a claim, you will need to submit a completed insurance claim form along with the necessary supporting documentation. This includes a full receipt outlining the breakdown of charges, a copy of the biomechanical assessment or gait analysis, details of the digital foot casting technique used, proof of manufacturing, and a detailed description of the type of orthotic created. It is important to note that the prescription for custom orthotics must include a medical diagnosis and be written by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physician, chiropodist, podiatrist, or orthopedic surgeon.

While Great-West Life Insurance does provide coverage for custom orthotics and orthopedic shoes, it is important to note that each insurance plan is different, and coverage may vary depending on your specific plan. Therefore, it is always best to contact your insurance company directly to inquire about the details of your particular plan and confirm what is covered.

Additionally, in some cases, Great-West Life Insurance has been known for denying claims or providing unsatisfactory customer service. This includes long wait times, difficulty navigating their systems, and issues with claim denials and payments. As such, it is essential to carefully review your insurance policy and understand the coverage provided by Great-West Life Insurance before assuming that your orthotics and orthopedic shoes will be covered.

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