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

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= June 30, 2021}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = welfare}}


== A. Introduction ==
== A. Introduction ==


Schedule C of the EAR and EAPWDR set out the availability of supplements for health and dental services, including optical and orthodontic services.   See also Part 5, Division 5 of the EAR and Part 5, Division 4 of the EAPWDR.   
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec EAPWDR] set out the availability of supplements for health and dental services, including optical and orthodontic services. See also [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#division_d2e10033 Part 5, Division 5 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#part5 Part 5, Division 4 of the EAPWDR].   


== B. General Health Supplements ==
== B. General Health Supplements ==


Section 67 of the EAR and s 62 of the EAPWDR set out the eligibility criteria for general health supplements.     Students  should review these criteria carefully if  advising  your  client  on  any issue relating to a health supplement.
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section67 Section 67 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section62 s 62 of the EAPWDR] set out the eligibility criteria for general health supplements. Applicants should review these criteria carefully in relation to any issue relating to a health supplement.  


== C. “Medical Services Only” ==
== C. “Medical Services Only” ==


Section 66.of the EAR and s 61.1 of the EAPWDR provide that persons may be eligible for “medical services only” in certain circumstances when they are  not  eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance.
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section66 Section 66.3 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section61.1 s 61.1 of the EAPWDR] provide that persons may be eligible for “medical services only” in certain circumstances when they cease to be eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance for specific reasons.  


== D. Optical Care ==
== D. Optical Care ==


If the person is between 19 and 64 and gets income assistance, hardship assistance, PPMB, or PWD benefits OR has Medical Services Only Status, they can receive an eye exam every 24 months. Further, children may receive one pair of glasses per year and adults may receive one pair of glasses every three years.  
If the person is between 19 and 64 and gets income assistance, hardship assistance, PPMB, or PWD benefits OR has Medical Services Only Status, they can receive an eye exam every 24 months. Further, children may receive one pair of glasses per year and adults may receive one pair of glasses every three years.


Ss  67.1 and 67.2 of the EAR and ss 62.1 and 62.2 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for certain optical benefits.     See also ss 2.1 and 2.2 of Schedule C of the EAR and ss 2.1 and 2.2 of Schedule C of the EAPWDR.  
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section67 Sections 67.1 and 67.2] of the EAR and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section62.1 ss 62.1] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section62.2 62.2] of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for certain optical benefits. See also ss 2.1 and 2.2 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAR] and ss 2.1 and 2.2 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAPWDR].


== E. Dental Care ==
== E. Dental Care ==


Ss 68, 68.1, 69, 70, and 71 of the EAR and ss 63, 63.1, 64, and 65 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for supplements for dental work, crown and bridgework, dentures, emergency dental and denture work, and limited orthodontic work.  See also ss 4, 4.1, 5, 6, and 7 of Schedule C of the EAR and ss 4, 4.1, and 5 of Schedule C of the EAPWDR.  
Sections [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section68 68], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section68.1 68.1], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section69 69], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section70 70], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section71 71] of the EAR and ss [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section63 63], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section63.1 63.1], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section63.2 63.2], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section64 64], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section65 65] of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for supplements for dental work, crown and bridgework, dentures, emergency dental and denture work, and limited orthodontic work.  See also ss 4, 4.1, 5, 6, and 7 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAR] and ss 4, 4.1, and 5 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAPWDR].


== F. “Healthy Kids” supplements ==
== F. “Healthy Kids” supplements ==


Section 72 of the EAR provides for certain optical and dental supplements for dependent children of welfare recipients.  See also Schedule C.  
Sections [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section72 72], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section72.1 72.1], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section77.03 77.03] of the EAR provides for certain optical, dental, hearing instrument, and alternative hearing assistance supplements for dependent children of welfare recipients.  See also [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C].


== G. Diet and nutrition ==
== G. Alternative Hearing Supplement ==


Ss 73, 74, 74.01, 74.1, and 75 of the EAR and ss 66, 67, 67.01, 67.1, and 68 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility  criteria  for  supplements  for  diet  supplements,  nutritional  supplements,  supplements  for those  who  require  tube  feeding,  infant  health  supplements, and natal  supplements  for  pregnant women.     See  also  ss  8,  9,  and  10  of  Schedule C of  the EAR and ss  6-10  of  Schedule  C  of  the EAPWDR.
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section77.02 Sections 77.02 of the EAR], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section70.02 section 70.02 of the EAPWDR], and section 11 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C to both the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec EAPWDR], allow a $100 supplement for applicants with profound hearing loss. The Ministry provides this supplement may only where the applicant has profound hearing loss in both ears and would not benefit from a hearing instrument.


Note: Monthly  nutritional supplements  are  only  available for  people who receive disability benefits from the Ministry. Further, the person must be being treated for a "chronic, progressive deterioration of health on account of a severe medical condition". It is very hard to meet the requirements for this supplement. See s 67(1.1) of the EAPDWR for more information.     Disability Alliance BC has a useful       help       sheet       regarding       the       monthly       nutritional       supplement,       at http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org/docs/hs4.pdf?LanguageID=EN-US. H.Medical equipment and devices Where a person meets eligibility criteria (see s 67 of the EAR and s 62 of the   EAPWDR), MSDSI may provide funding for certain medical equipment and devices.   The devices  and  eligibility  criteria are listed in s 2(3) of Schedule C of each regulation.  The devices may include: canes, crutches, and walkers; wheelchairs; scooters; bathing and toileting aids; hospital bed; pressure relief mattresses; floor or ceiling lift devices; positive airway pressure devices; apnea monitors; nebulizers; positioning items on a bed, positioning chairs, and standing frames;  ventilator supplies; orthoses; and hearing aids. NOTE: In order to qualify for these supplements, a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner must be  supplied  and the cost must be pre-approved by MSDSI. There  are  very detailed eligibility criteria that must be met for each item requested.   See Schedule C of both Regulations for details. I.Medical and Surgical Supplies Certain “disposable or reusable” medical supplies may be provided if they are necessary to prevent the recipient from becoming very ill (to avoid what MSDSI calls “an imminent and substantial danger”) and if they are prescribed by a doctor.  See s 2(1)(a) of Schedule C of each Regulation. The supplies are only available if they  are  needed  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. J.“Direct and Imminent Life-Threatening Health Need”Section  76 of the EAR and s 69 of the EAPWDR provide that MSDSI  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.
== H. Diet and nutrition ==
 
Sections [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section73 73], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section74 74], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section74.01 74.01], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section74.1 74.1], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section75 75] of the EAR and ss [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section66 66], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section67 67], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section67.01 67.01], [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section67.1 67.1], and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section68 68] of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for supplements for diet supplements, nutritional supplements, supplements for those who require tube feeding, infant health supplements, and natal supplements for pregnant people.  See also ss 8, 9, and 10 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAR] and ss 6-9 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec Schedule C of the EAPWDR].
 
'''Note:''' A “monthly nutritional supplement” of up to $205 per month may be available to some people with the PWD designation who receive disability assistance.. To qualify, there must be medical confirmation that the person requires the supplement for a "chronic, progressive deterioration of health on account of a severe medical condition". It can be very hard to meet the requirements for this supplement. See [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section67 s 67(1.1) of the EAPDWR] for more information.   Disability Alliance BC has a useful help sheet regarding the monthly nutritional supplement, at http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/.
 
As of July 1, 2019, registered dieticians are added as health professionals who can confirm someone’s need for diet supplements, short term nutritional supplements, infant formula supplement, and the monthly nutritional supplement. Prior to this change, eligibility for most diet and nutrition related supplements could only be confirmed by medical practitioners or nurse practitioners. In order to be considered a “registered dietician,” a dietician must be a “registrant of the College of Dieticians of BC established under the Health Professions Act.”
 
Sources: EAR, ss 1(1), 73(2)(b), 74(b), 74.01(3)(a), Schedule C ss 8(2) and 10(a). See also EAPWDR, ss 1(1), 66(2)(b), 67(1.1), 67(2), 67.001(b), 67.01(3)(a), Schedule C ss 6(2) and 9(a).
 
== I. Medical equipment and devices ==
 
Where a person meets eligibility criteria (see [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section67 s 67 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section62 s 62 of the EAPWDR]), the Ministry may provide funding for certain medical equipment and devices.  Sections 3 through 3.12 of [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec Schedule C] of each regulation list the devices and eligibility criteria.  The devices may include:  
*canes, crutches, and walkers;  
*wheelchairs;  
*scooters;  
*bathing and toileting aids;  
*hospital bed;  
*pressure relief mattresses;  
*floor or ceiling lift devices;  
*positive airway pressure devices;  
*apnea monitors;  
*nebulizers;  
*positioning items on a bed, positioning chairs, and standing frames;   
*ventilator supplies;  
*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 [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#schedulec Schedule C] of both Regulations.
 
== J. Medical and Surgical Supplies ==
 
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
 
== K. “Direct and Imminent Life-Threatening Health Need” ==
 
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/263_2002#section76 Section 76 of the EAR] and [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/265_2002#section69 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.  
 
== L. Alternative and Complementary Therapies ==
 
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).
 
== M. Transportation to Medical Appointments ==
 
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.
 
 
{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters15-22}}

Revision as of 20:40, 15 August 2021

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 30, 2021.



A. Introduction

Schedule C of the EAR and EAPWDR set out the availability of supplements for health and dental services, including optical and orthodontic services. See also Part 5, Division 5 of the EAR and Part 5, Division 4 of the EAPWDR.

B. General Health Supplements

Section 67 of the EAR and s 62 of the EAPWDR set out the eligibility criteria for general health supplements. Applicants should review these criteria carefully in relation to any issue relating to a health supplement.

C. “Medical Services Only”

Section 66.3 of the EAR and s 61.1 of the EAPWDR provide that persons may be eligible for “medical services only” in certain circumstances when they cease to be eligible for income assistance, PPMB, or disability assistance for specific reasons.

D. Optical Care

If the person is between 19 and 64 and gets income assistance, hardship assistance, PPMB, or PWD benefits OR has Medical Services Only Status, they can receive an eye exam every 24 months. Further, children may receive one pair of glasses per year and adults may receive one pair of glasses every three years.

Sections 67.1 and 67.2 of the EAR and ss 62.1 and 62.2 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for certain optical benefits. See also ss 2.1 and 2.2 of Schedule C of the EAR and ss 2.1 and 2.2 of Schedule C of the EAPWDR.

E. Dental Care

Sections 68, 68.1, 69, 70, and 71 of the EAR and ss 63, 63.1, 63.2, 64, and 65 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for supplements for dental work, crown and bridgework, dentures, emergency dental and denture work, and limited orthodontic work. See also ss 4, 4.1, 5, 6, and 7 of Schedule C of the EAR and ss 4, 4.1, and 5 of Schedule C of the EAPWDR.

F. “Healthy Kids” supplements

Sections 72, 72.1, and 77.03 of the EAR provides for certain optical, dental, hearing instrument, and alternative hearing assistance supplements for dependent children of welfare recipients. See also Schedule C.

G. Alternative Hearing Supplement

Sections 77.02 of the EAR, section 70.02 of the EAPWDR, and section 11 of Schedule C to both the EAR and EAPWDR, allow a $100 supplement for applicants with profound hearing loss. The Ministry provides this supplement may only where the applicant has profound hearing loss in both ears and would not benefit from a hearing instrument.

H. Diet and nutrition

Sections 73, 74, 74.01, 74.1, and 75 of the EAR and ss 66, 67, 67.01, 67.1, and 68 of the EAPWDR set out eligibility criteria for supplements for diet supplements, nutritional supplements, supplements for those who require tube feeding, infant health supplements, and natal supplements for pregnant people. See also ss 8, 9, and 10 of Schedule C of the EAR and ss 6-9 of Schedule C of the EAPWDR.

Note: A “monthly nutritional supplement” of up to $205 per month may be available to some people with the PWD designation who receive disability assistance.. To qualify, there must be medical confirmation that the person requires the supplement for a "chronic, progressive deterioration of health on account of a severe medical condition". It can be very hard to meet the requirements for this supplement. See s 67(1.1) of the EAPDWR for more information. Disability Alliance BC has a useful help sheet regarding the monthly nutritional supplement, at http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/help-sheets/.

As of July 1, 2019, registered dieticians are added as health professionals who can confirm someone’s need for diet supplements, short term nutritional supplements, infant formula supplement, and the monthly nutritional supplement. Prior to this change, eligibility for most diet and nutrition related supplements could only be confirmed by medical practitioners or nurse practitioners. In order to be considered a “registered dietician,” a dietician must be a “registrant of the College of Dieticians of BC established under the Health Professions Act.”

Sources: EAR, ss 1(1), 73(2)(b), 74(b), 74.01(3)(a), Schedule C ss 8(2) and 10(a). See also EAPWDR, ss 1(1), 66(2)(b), 67(1.1), 67(2), 67.001(b), 67.01(3)(a), Schedule C ss 6(2) and 9(a).

I. Medical equipment and devices

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:

  • canes, crutches, and walkers;
  • wheelchairs;
  • scooters;
  • bathing and toileting aids;
  • hospital bed;
  • pressure relief mattresses;
  • floor or ceiling lift devices;
  • positive airway pressure devices;
  • apnea monitors;
  • nebulizers;
  • positioning items on a bed, positioning chairs, and standing frames;
  • ventilator supplies;
  • 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.

J. Medical and Surgical Supplies

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

K. “Direct and Imminent Life-Threatening Health Need”

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.

L. Alternative and Complementary Therapies

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).

M. Transportation to Medical Appointments

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.


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