With respect to municipal or regional homes, the cost to be paid depends on the level of care required. There are two basic rates. The first is the residential rate for someone who is basically independent and requires a minimum of assistance. The second is the extended care rate for an individual who requires over an hour and one-half of nursing services every day. The extended care rate is available only to residents who are eligible for benefits under the Ontario Governments Extended Care Benefits Program and under the Health Insurance Act.
Eligibility is based on a medical assessment and the completion of an application form.
Those who qualify will receive an extended care certificate from the doctor allowing them to be charged a subsidized rate. The effect of all this is that the more an individual needs with regard to nursing care the less it will cost him or her. Every elderly individual in the province, even those on a guaranteed income supplement, should be able to afford this. If the resident does not have enough money to pay then they will be charged the minimum extended care rate irrespective of whether they qualify for an extended care certificate. The accumulated debt will be billed to their estate when they die.