The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Joedy Wall, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) and the Medical Transportation Supports Program (MeTS).

For eligible travel occurring on or after September 1, 2026, these changes will provide substantially greater support for residents who must travel to access specialized insured medical services, helping reduce financial barriers and improve access to health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The changes fulfil government’s Budget 2026 commitment to provide 100 per cent coverage of eligible transportation expenses through MTAP for residents travelling to access specialized insured medical services, while maintaining program requirements and reimbursement limits. The changes also include additional enhancements that will further expand assistance and help ensure residents can access specialized insured medical services based on medical need rather than their ability to pay for travel.

Additional enhancements include:

• Increasing the private vehicle mileage rate under MTAP and MeTS to $0.35 per eligible kilometre.
• Reimbursing all eligible kilometres once MTAP’s 500-kilometre mileage threshold is met, including the first 500 kilometres.
• Reducing the minimum travel distance required to qualify for dialysis-related mileage assistance under MTAP from 50 kilometres one way to 20 kilometres.
• Increasing the private accommodation rate under MTAP and MeTS from $25 to $50 per eligible night.
• Increasing MeTS meal per diem rates to align with MTAP meal rates.
• Removing the $400 annual household deductible for eligible in-province travel under MTAP.
• Allowing eligible residents to receive travel assistance to access specialized insured medical services sooner when capacity is available at another location within the province.
• Introducing new online MTAP application and claim services, supported by user guides that make it easier for claimants to submit applications, upload supporting documents, and access program benefits.

Collectively, these enhancements more than double MTAP’s financial assistance budget, and deliver on commitments made under the Provincial Government’s platform commitment for better health care, and Budget 2026: A Plan for our Future, helping ensure residents can access the health care they need without the added burden of worrying about transportation or travel costs.

Quotes
“For many residents, particularly those in rural, remote, and Labrador communities, travelling for medical appointments is a necessary part of accessing health care.
These enhancements will provide greater financial relief for individuals and families by
increasing mileage and accommodation supports, eliminating the in-province deductible, and making it easier to access services throughout the province. Our government is committed to ensuring that access to specialized insured medical services is based on medical need, not the ability to afford travel costs.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“No one should have to worry about the cost of travel when they need specialized medical care. These enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program represent a significant investment in the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. By more than doubling the program’s financial assistance budget, we are helping remove barriers and making it easier for people to get the care they need, when they need it.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Health and Community Services

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