The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, today announced enhancements that will benefit patients who use the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP).
A new In-Province Flight Voucher Program has been established in partnership with PAL Airlines. Residents of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone who have to fly to a larger centre within the province to access specialized insured medical services can apply to MTAP for a fast-track upfront flight voucher.
The voucher program offers patients and escorts in the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone $1,000 upfront towards their first eligible airfare costs, plus an assistance rate of 75 per cent towards any additional eligible airfare costs exceeding $1,000.
The 75 per cent enhanced assistance rate towards eligible airfare costs also extends to patients and escorts in the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone who travel out of province to access specialized insured medical services.
The changes in medical transportation assistance support a commitment from the Provincial Government to be more responsive to the needs of patients and to help ease the financial burden on individuals who have to travel to larger centres to access specialized insured medical services.
The enhancements also reflect a response to issues that have been identified by residents and advocates of medical transportation assistance. The changes are financed through a $1 million initiative announced in Budget 2023. An assessment of medical transportation assistance is ongoing and additional improvements will be announced when arrangements are finalized.
Residents of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone who wish to access the voucher program must complete the online, fillable In-Province Flight Voucher application form available on the Labrador Affairs webpage under the Medical Transportation Assistance Program page, and must email the form to PALFlightVoucher@gov.nl.ca.
The improvements that have financial implications come into effect for eligible travel on September 8, 2023.
On April 1, 2023, responsibility for MTAP and the Medical Transportation Program for Income Support Clients (ISMT) for all areas of the province was transferred to the Department of Labrador Affairs.
For more information about the Medical Transportation Assistance Program, call toll-free 1-877-475-2412 or follow this link.
Quotes
“The Provincial Government recognizes that residents of the province who have to travel the furthest distance to access specialized insured medical services have been shouldering a significant portion of travel and related costs. Our government is pleased to partner with PAL Airlines to implement an In-Province Voucher Program that eases the financial responsibility for patients and escorts.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The enhancements we are announcing provide additional compensation for residents who have to travel frequently or long distances to access specialized insured medical services. In particular, we have reduced the financial burden that was associated with large, upfront airfare costs for residents of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“PAL Airlines is proud to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on the enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) announced today. As a company with deep roots in the province we understand the challenges associated with medical travel, and we’re thrilled to be part of a constructive solution that eases the burden of upfront travel costs for residents traveling to receive specialized medical care.”
Calvin Ash
President, PAL Airlines
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