Enhancements Made to Medical Transportation Assistance Program

I rise in this House today to announce new enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program which will improve access to health care services for our citizens.

There are many individuals and families who incur a significant financial burden as a result of travel costs to receive medical services. Through these enhancements, our government will provide increased financial assistance for eligible residents who pay substantial costs when travelling for insured medical services, such as cancer treatment or surgery. The cost to implement these changes is approximately $525,000, with a total budget for the program of $1.7 million.

As we announced in the Northern Strategic Plan, effective May 1, residents of Labrador will now be reimbursed the first $1,000 for eligible travel expenses during a 12-month period, up from $500. Residents of the island portion of the province will also receive a greater level of assistance with the annual deductible reduced to $400.

Many more changes will also put more money back into the hands of any resident of the province who travels for medical treatment. For example, Government will now cost-share eligible expenditures over $5,000 at an increased rate of 65 per cent as opposed to the current rate of 50 per cent.

Furthermore, effective July 1, 2007, caps on eligible expenses will be increased for eligible patients and escorts. Registered bus services will also be considered an eligible expense.

These changes provide more financial assistance to individuals with substantial travel costs for medical services and improve the overall equity of the program.

In addition to the enhancements we are making to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program, we are also investing in infrastructure with $67 million designated this year for new and re-developed health care facilities across the province; and, we are investing medical equipment and new communications technologies so that residents can benefit from treatment closer to their home communities.

More detailed information on changes to the Medical Transportation Assistance program has been issued in a news release today. I encourage residents who use this program, or who may be eligible, to visit the Provincial Government Web site for further information.

2007 06 11                                                   1:55 p.m.