REGINA – When unexpected serious accidents happen in the home, the last thing on many people’s minds is the price tag attached. However, families are often left with financial hardship when a tragedy occurs.
On September 29, the lives of four-year-old Dominic and his family took a drastic turn.
“He went to reach for a Kleenex on the fireplace mantel and the fireplace mantel came from off the wall and fell directly onto his head,” said Dominic’s aunt, Danielle Gareau. “In the blink of an eye, anything can happen.”
Dominic endured three brain surgeries, one in Regina and two in Saskatoon. He spent 36 days in hospital plus four at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
“We don’t know if he’ll ever walk again. We don’t know how much damage there was,” said Gareau.
Dominic is back home, but the pricetag attached to the accident is mounting.
“The trips, the hotels bills, staying at the hospitals, just the everyday eating, and gas.” Many family members also took time off of work.
Medical equipment, like wheelchairs and walkers are available through a loan program. However, the family wants to build a wheelchair ramp and alterations to homes are likely not paid for.
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“There’s not a lot of coverage available. It’s limited to residents who are part of paraplegic program,” said Kevin Wilson with the health ministry’s extended benefits branch.
Ambulance rides are not insured under the Canada Health Act. In Saskatchewan, ground transportation can cost between $245- $325, depending on the health region. In some areas, mainly rural, residents may be charged an additional $2.30 per kilometre.
People over the age of 65 can only be charged a maximum of $275 for ground ambulance rides. Other exceptions include families who qualify for social assistance or children who need to be transported from Regina to Saskatoon’s pediatric ICU.
“For those pediatric patients that need that level of care (in Saskatoon) that the normal referral program would have been Regina, the transportation is covered,” said Evan Ulmer with the health ministry’s EMS services.
Dominic’s family is still wading through what will and won’t be covered, but despite the costs they’re thankful for their little miracle – “We now look at life one day at a time.”
The family has set up an online fundraiser.
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