This topic is about a significant change in the reimbursement policy for ostomy supplies by Manulife, a Canadian insurance company. The person sharing this information has a health plan with Manulife and has experienced a drastic reduction in the amount reimbursed for ostomy supplies. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some advice for others who might be affected:

- Initially, the plan covered up to $3,000 per year for ostomy supplies, which was later increased to $3,500.
- Recently, the reimbursement was cut to $1,250 per year, a reduction of about 66%, which is the largest cut in the new policy changes.
- In contrast, coverage for prosthetic supplies was reduced by only $1,000, now totaling $2,500, showing a more significant impact on ostomates.
- After reaching out to Manulife through phone calls and a letter, the responses received were vague and unhelpful.
- The person is now following Manulife’s Complaints Handling Procedure and plans to contact the company’s Ombudsperson.
- They are also encouraging other Canadian ostomates affected by this change to join in filing complaints.

Here are some helpful tips and insights for dealing with this situation:

1. Keep detailed records of all communications and insist on getting explanations in writing. This documentation is essential if you need to escalate the issue to regulators, an ombudsman, or the media.
2. Follow every formal complaint step, from the Customer Complaints Investigator to the Ombudsperson, and make it clear that you are ready to make the issue public.
3. Encourage other ostomates with Manulife plans to file complaints. Collective action can highlight the broader impact and potential reputational risk to the company.
4. Consider creative ways to advocate for change, such as sharing a poem, story, or other public-facing content that can draw attention and possibly influence the company’s behavior.
5. Ensure all communications are accurate to avoid legal issues. Using titles like “An Insurance Scam?” is acceptable if the question mark indicates uncertainty.