Difference between revisions of "Welfare and Health Supplements (21:X)"

Where a person meets eligibility criteria (see s 67 of the EAR and s 62 of the EAPWDR), the Ministry may provide funding for certain medical equipment and devices. Sections 3 through 3.12 of Schedule C of each regulation list the devices and eligibility criteria. The devices may include:  

*orthoses; and

*hearing aids.  

'''NOTE:''' In order to qualify for these supplements, a qualified medical practitioner must supply a prescription and the cost must be pre-approved by the Ministry. The Ministry provides very detailed eligibility criteria in Schedule C of both Regulations.

Certain “disposable or reusable” medical supplies may be provided if they are necessary to prevent the recipient from becoming very ill (to avoid what the Ministry calls “an imminent and substantial danger”) and if a doctor prescribes them.   See s 2(1)(a) of Schedule C of each Regulation.  

The supplies are only available if an applicant needs them for one of these following purposes: wound care; ongoing bowel care required due to loss of muscle function; catheterization; incontinence; skin parasite care; or limb circulation care.

The supplies must be the least expensive ones appropriate for the purpose. Exclusions to this list include nutritional supplements, food, vitamins and minerals, and prescription medications

Section 76 of the EAR and s 69 of the EAPWDR provide that the Ministry may provide certain health supplements to a person who is otherwise ineligible for the supplements (or indeed, for welfare benefits), if the person can show that the person faces an '''imminent and life-threatening need''' that cannot be addressed except by the supplement. See the Regulations for details.  

Up to 12 visits per calendar year are payable by the minister for any combination of physiotherapy services, chiropractic services, massage therapy services, non-surgical podiatry services, naturopathy services, and acupuncture services for which a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner has confirmed an acute need. See Schedule C, s 2 of each Regulation, especially s 2(c).  

Under Schedule C, s 2(f) of each Regulation, the Ministry may cover the cost for the least expensive mode of transportation to and from the office of a local medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, specialist, general hospital, rehabilitation hospital, provided that:  

*The transportation is to enable the person to receive a benefit under the ''Medicare Protection Act'' or a general hospital service under the ''Hospital Insurance Act''; AND

*There are no resources available to the person's family unit to cover the cost.