Effective January 1, 2024, the Employee Benefit Plans will cover visits to athletic therapists under the same maximum as physiotherapy. Plan members can claim up to $400 per year per insured person. 

This enhancement to the Employee Benefit Plans originated from feedback that 3sHealth received from a plan member. 

“A plan member contacted us and requested that the plans cover the work of athletic therapists,” says Director of Benefit Services Lorne Shiplack. “We took that request to the governance committees, along with information on the role of athletic therapists, the projected cost, and the sustainability of the enhancement. The Working Committee agreed that it was worth pursuing and made a recommendation to the Employee Benefit Plans Board of Trustees. After some research, the Board of Trustees approved the enhancement effective January 1, 2024.” 

How can athletic therapists help me?

Athletic therapists are registered members of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). According to CATA, athletic therapists focus on treating musculoskeletal injuries using various “manual therapies, modalities, exercise prescription, and even bracing and taping.” The types of patients that could work with an athletic therapist include those suffering from chronic pain, experiencing aches and discomfort with their daily activities, having concussion symptoms, or recovering from accidents or surgeries.

The Saskatchewan Athletic Therapists Association (SATA) is the governing body for athletic therapy in the province. You can visit SATA’s website here to find an athletic therapist membership directory and to learn more about athletic therapy in Saskatchewan. 

If you have questions about your benefit plan, call 3sHealth at 1.866.278.2301 or email ebp@3sHealth.ca.