DR. HARDY, OWNER OF ACADEMY FOOT AND ORTHOTIC CLINICS SHARES GREAT WEST LIFE'S ORTHOTIC DISPENSING ADVICE, PART 1

Claim submission requirements for orthopedic shoes and custom-made foot orthotics – update

On February 1, 2013, Great-West Life will implement new claim submission requirements for orthopedic shoes and custom-made foot orthotics.

There is no change to the coverage provided under your plan. We’re changing our claims submission requirements to help ensure that coverage is provided for valid expenses. These requirements are not specific to
your plan and are consistent with requirements adopted by other major Canadian group insurers. For the most part, these changes will impact
the providers of these supplies. We have prepared communication for providers that outlines the changes and their responsibilities in the
claims process. We will do our best to ensure all suppliers are provided
this information. We do recommend that plan members bring their communication piece to their next appointment.

Group healthcare plans insured or administered by Great-West may include coverage* for:

• Custom-made orthopedic shoes – footwear made specifically for one patient, from raw materials, using a variety of measurements and a three-dimensional cast of the patient’s feet.

• Off-the-shelf (pre-fabricated) orthopedic shoes – footwear with specific orthopedic fit and function features.

• Custom-fitted or modified orthopedic shoes – a shoe is considered to be modified when the orthopedic shoe is permanently changed, for example, adding a rocker sole, or leather patches to accommodate a foot deformity.

• Custom-made foot orthotics – a device made from a cast of the foot that can be inserted into the shoe to support, align, prevent or accommodate foot abnormalities and improve how the foot functions.

Benefits for these supplies will be paid where the expense is eligible under the benefits plan and provided all required documentation is submitted with the claim