The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced changes to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) and the Medical Transportation Assistance Program for Income Support Clients. These changes go into effect on Thursday, April 1, 2021.

These programs provide reimbursement and financial assistance to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who experience substantial travel costs to access insured medical services that are not available in their immediate area of residence, or within the province.

Starting in April, the private vehicle deductible will be reduced from 1,500 kilometres to 500 kilometres for MTAP. In addition, a $25 per night private accommodations rate will be introduced for both programs. MTAP clients who avail of private accommodations will also be eligible for a $29 per day meal allowance.

The Department of Health and Community Services reviews these programs regularly, including program policy standards, procedures, guidelines, and forms. The goal is to support clients through simplified medical programs.

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“Open dialogue and transparency are hallmarks to ensuring fair and equitable access to publicly-funded medical programs. The changes announced today are based on the feedback we have received to date, and are meant to reduce the out-of-pocket burden for people who have to travel for medical reasons. We are hopeful that these changes will help to alleviate some of the stress experienced in light of the health matters people are already dealing with.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca