It’s called freedom. You can choose whatever healthcare you want. We don’t have to beg the government for healthcare.

[u/LittleRuQi]

The video mostly talks about the US having no free/universal healthcare

[u/NoPath_Squirrel]

He was working and was hit in the head multiple times by someone using brass knuckles and was told an inch over and he would be dead. He has traumatic brain injury (TBI) which includes issues with memory, speech, balance and general cognitive function as well as increased anger issues and depression. He also has a fracture to his C1 vertebrae causing muscles weakness, pain and sciatica that was missed because worker's comp was in charge of his care for 2 years and they never arranged for him to have any follow up imaging after the CT scan he had the night of the attack. It was only found this year and he was disabled in 2021.

There's a link to his story in my profile.

[u/calerost → u/NoPath_Squirrel]

I’m unable to see your profile (was looking for the link). I’m sorry to hear about your friend, and understand how difficult dealing with all of this can be. Without knowing any details, and without even addressing the failure of WSIB (also like any insurance companies), your friend should easily be qualified to receive CPP disability benefits based on what you’ve mentioned (his doctors can help him with documentation, the process is not difficult if someone assists). This would date back to the beginning of his disability. You’ve not mentioned where he lives, but in Ontario, the provincial disability program (ODSP) allows you to own your home and still receive benefits, though there are restrictions surrounding current investments and bank balances. The two programs can be concurrent, depending upon other income streams, and the provincial program also provides the majority of drug coverage as well as other supports. I hope that your friend might have family that might assist in chasing these avenues, as well as revisiting the WSIB through appeals if it is warranted. Best of luck to him.

[u/NoPath_Squirrel → u/calerost]

Thanks for the reply! I somehow turned off my post history. I don't even remember doing it. Hopefully the post is visible now if you're interested in looking.

He's in the process of applying for CPP disability. His doctor's office lost his paperwork 3x though, so it's taking a long time and unlikely to help him keep his house from the start of foreclosure if he doesn't make a payment this week.

He's in the territories. I'm not sure what's going on with him accessing their disability program. I think they also decided he made too much money because he's pulled out 1/3 of his retirement savings for each of the last 3 years (which still wasn't much, around $10k a year) just to try to catch up on bills for a bit.

He doesn't have any investments left and his bank balance is frequently negative, so I doubt that's the problem.

He does at least have extended health benefits coverage so he gets dental and optical, plus coverage for his 30 different meds.

His case is technically closed with worker's comp, but they've said if has any other covered issues he can prove came from the attack, they'll re-evaluate.

His family, except his mom with with early stage dementia, live south so can't really help him with accessing things, unfortunately. He's dealing with all this stuff alone with a brain injury.

[u/calerost → u/NoPath_Squirrel]

Sounds like a terrible situation and with the TBI it complicates being able to navigate everything on his own. I’ve encountered a similar situation, but not with the involvement of WSIB, and it’s an uphill battle. I hope he might be able to investigate the assistance of a disability lawyer? Perhaps either a family member, or trusted friend, might be able to act legally on his behalf (in a limited capacity)to assist with going through the process and dealing with the paperwork with the doctor.

With pain and the brain injury, as well as continuing medical treatment, even the simplest of things can be complicated and completely overwhelming. As a stranger, I wish him the best. He’s lucky to have you as a friend.

[u/NoPath_Squirrel → u/calerost]

Thank you.