Insurance Settlements Policy to Change

Government is changing the way it handles insurance settlements for people receiving care.

"Recent cases have taught us that clients and their families want the rules to be clear, fair, and they want to be heard," said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard. "I don't want any more families to go through uncertainty and additional stress."

The changes include:

• using the same policy approach and administering from a central unit at Health and Wellness for both that department and Community Services
• changing the intake process so potential insurance settlements are identified earlier, and staff can begin conversations with the client and their family and representatives
• giving more flexibility in how the settlement is divided, allowing consideration of the family's wishes for a loved one's future care.

The policy changes will be implemented immediately.