OPA recognizes that many people living in Ontario access physiotherapist services through extended health benefits (EHBs). The workforce in Ontario increasingly relies on access to physiotherapy through EHBs.
OPA is advocating, in discussions with employers, about the need to include comprehensive physiotherapy coverage in EHB plans. The structure of, and access to EHB plans significantly impacts both access to care, and health outcomes.
Physiotherapy access through EHBs matters now more than ever. Read about the key issues affecting access to physiotherapists in Ontario.
For more than 30 million Canadians, physiotherapy is primarily accessed through EHBs. Most injuries and health conditions require significantly more physiotherapy care than benefit plans cover.
Government funding for rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and other community-based health services has become increasingly limited. Employers now often fill the gap for their employees. However, medically necessary physiotherapy now depends on employment status, collective agreements, and insurance plan design rather than clinical need.
It is time for government, employers, and clinicians to come together to identify gaps in care, clarify responsibilities, and build a coordinated approach that better serves people across Ontario.
“Function and mobility are the new vital signs we should be tracking.”
– Sarah Hutchison, OPA CEO
As a clinic owner, clinician, and advocate, Jordan Burgess sees firsthand how limited extended health benefits can affect people’s ability to access and complete physiotherapy treatment. In this interview clip with OPA’s Policy Analyst, Kristin Nugent, Jordan shares a private practice perspective. He discusses the role physiotherapy can play in improving health outcomes when care is accessible and affordable. Stay tuned for the full interview coming soon.
OPA is exploring current trends in extended health benefits usage through private practice physiotherapy clinics in Ontario, and how these trends impact physiotherapy care and patient recovery.
This survey is for physiotherapists whose patients access care using Extended Health Benefits. It should take approximately 8-10 minutes to complete. Complete our survey by November 9, 2026.