WSIB alternatives in Ontario
Houston, we have a problem!
And in this case it is the Government botching up a system of disability that should be left to the private disability industry. Huge losses mean innevitable rate increases according to the National Post:
While there is no shortage of agencies that are deserving of increased public scrutiny, a most fitting and early test of the government’s resolve is the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Funded by employers, the WSIB is responsible for managing scarce tax dollars to provide compensation to injured workers. However, recent losses at the agency — $3.34-billion — threaten to drag the workers compensation system into financial ruin.At a recent meeting, the WSIB confirmed that the gap between their liabilities and the money to pay for them — the unfunded liability — continues to grow. Canadians will recall similar warnings about the demise of the CPP and EI in the mid-1990s before those rates went through the roof. Ironically, measures to control costs have suddenly morphed into similar threats here — “we give fair warning that if the WSIB’s economic situation does not improve, we will have to consider introducing premium rate increases in the future.”
And the problem for the self-employed and contracted workers in Ontario are the hefty fees that WSIB is charging already!
The problem with WSIB is not only the high rates, but the fact that it covers workplace related incidents – nothing off the job!
What happens when you become disabled at home, or in your car, or anywhere else for that matter?
The short answer – WSIB will not cover you.
I recently discussed this coverage with a gentleman that was quoted the rate by WSIB at 8.7% of his gross wage. His premium was going to be well over $800 per month just to be able to work! But what if the company you work for has “contracted” you and you cannot seem to convince WSIB to insure you? Are you then effectively unable to produce an income?
No matter what your health, there are companies that we can insure you with that are far superior to WSIB, and the odds of being declined for the accident coverage portion is almost non-existent.
This means no expensive “consultation” with experts and lawyers to appeal your WSIB ruling is required!
We looked at an alternative, well-rounded personal disability plan that covers disability on or off the job, and includes sickness, and the premium was $111 per month – a savings of almost $700.
If WSIB is able to mandate all self-employed workers to have this high-priced cash grab by 2012 there are going to be many angry self-employed families.
It is bad enough the government taxes us in several ways already, but the WSIB premiums may make the other taxes pale in comparison.
I will be working with several others to lobby against this, and I urge you to do the same. Let me know you are unhappy about the WSIB’s plans, and let’s form an alliance to combat this cash-grab.
The bottom line is that the insurance industry has plenty to offer, that makes the offering from WSIB non-competitive indeed.
Please contact me for a review of your disability needs at 1 866 856 6799, extension 201. Located in the GTA, we can personally look after you with old fashioned, face to face service!
I am also a strong supporter of the CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business), and I urge you to look at the issues facing business, and the self-employed.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Tags: WSIB, WSIB alternative