IDEA Program Consent
MedicAlert is committed to making its services accessible to all members of the community, including the marginalized and underserved people. To help us determine if you qualify for the Program, we need your permission to collect specific information from you.
What is the IDEA Program and how does it work?
The IDEA Program provides financial assistance to people who may have challenges accessing our services. This Program works by waiving all or a portion of the cost of MedicAlert's services to those who are in need. MedicAlert has developed an assessment tool that uses an income means test based on where you live and how big or small your family is. The tool also considers things like race, language, your understanding of health terms, gender and other things that can impact people’s ability to access care. Our goal is to make access to our services as fair as possible for all.
What information is being collected?
To see if you qualify for the IDEA Program, you will be asked a series of questions about your income, race, ethnicity, household size, housing arrangements, and health conditions.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
No, you do not have to answer all the questions. However, withholding certain information may affect our ability to accurately assess your application, which may impact your ability to receive full or partial financial support. We recommend that applicants answer all the questions.
For what purposes is my information being collected?
MedicAlert needs to collect your information in order to assess your eligibility for the IDEA Program.
Are there other ways in which MedicAlert will use my information?
Yes. MedicAlert may conduct research or engage third parties to conduct research using your information. Any research will be conducted for the purposes of healthcare research, health promotion and prevention programming, and to improve MedicAlert's programs and services. Your name and personally identifiable information will not be shared and will not appear on any report or in any research findings.
With whom will MedicAlert share my information?
MedicAlert staff may need to share your information internally in order to assess your eligibility for the IDEA Program. In addition, your information may be shared with third parties in order to conduct research, as stated above. We may also contract with third party service providers to help us administer the IDEA Program.
How does MedicAlert safeguard my personal information?
All the information you provide to MedicAlert will remain confidential. All MedicAlert staff are bound by confidentiality agreements and are subject to the appropriate training and oversight to ensure that your information will be properly safeguarded. Prior to contracting with a third party service provider, we conduct the appropriate due diligence to ensure that they meet our privacy and security standards.
Can I withdraw my consent? What happens if I do?
You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at idea@medicalert.ca. If you withdraw your consent, your information will no longer be used and you will cease to qualify for the subsidy unless you contact us again to reapply for the Program.
If I am not a current MedicAlert subcriber, does providing my information for eligibility assessment mean I am now a MedicAlert subscriber?
No, it does not. The information you provide will be used for the purposes stated above. After you complete our intake process and answer the questions, we will notify you of the outcome of the assessment within 5 to 7 business days. If you qualify for the program, it is your choice to become a MedicAlert subscriber or not. We will provide you with information on how to do so.