Ontario Updates Northern Health Travel Grant Program
The Ontario government has announced changes to the Northern Health Travel Grant program, effective December 1, 2024. Over the next three years, the province plans to allocate $45 million to enhance this program, aiming to improve access to specialized health care services for residents in Northern Ontario.
Key changes include:
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Increased Reimbursements: The accommodation allowance for overnight trips will rise from $100 to $175 per night. The total allowance for stays of eight or more nights will increase from $550 to $1,150.
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Eligibility Adjustments: The travel distance requirement for overnight accommodation allowance has been reduced from 200 kilometers to 100 kilometers. Additionally, medical travel companions for hospitalized patients are now eligible for reimbursement.
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Application Process: The requirement for a signature from the referring health care provider has been removed, streamlining the application process. The 100-kilometer deductible has been eliminated, and reimbursement will now cover every kilometer traveled.
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Expanded Coverage: More health care providers and facility locations, such as community laboratories, are now included in the program.
The government also plans to introduce an online application form in Spring 2025, which will allow for digital receipt submissions to expedite reimbursements.