News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

MHA Jones says medical transportation changes helpful, but more improvements needed
June 12 2007

Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright L=anse au Clair says the recent expansion of the Medical Transportation Assistance Program will be helpful for those in her district traveling for medical reasons, but she urges that more changes are needed to ease this significant financial burden for many Labradorians. 

Government announced this week that patients traveling for medical services would get more financial help, including Labrador residents who can now be reimbursed the first $1,000 for eligible travel expenses during a 12-month period.  Earlier this year, Jones had called upon government to boost the base refundable amount from $500 to $1000 to reduce the costs of travel for medical purposes. 

AI am very pleased to see that government has been listening to the concerns I have put forward and that they are responsive to the need to improve access to health care services for the people of Labrador,@ says Jones,  who notes that many Labradorians often have to travel to the island portion of the province for medical reasons, especially to see specialists and that it is an expense many simply cannot afford.     

The Liberal MHA points out, however, that other improvements she had called for were not included in the new changes to the program. APatients are not able to claim road transportation mileage in private vehicles, which is a problem because the people on the south coast of Labrador often travel to St. Anthony and Corner Brook because it is cheaper and more accessible.   It is good, however, to see that registered bus services can now also be claimed come July 1, 2007.  

AThe other issue not addressed in this most recent adjustment was the need to make eligible those  expenses incurred if you stay in a private residence while  seeking medical attention.  As it still stands, you can only be reimbursed if you have a  receipt from a registered accommodation or a hostel.    The reality is that many patients while ill or taking treatment would like to have the comfort of a relative or a friend=s house and the financial burden is then placed on these people.  

AGovernment has finally  recognized that significant out-of-pocket expenses are too often incurred when seeking medical services in this province. These new changes are indeed positive, but I feel that more can be done under this program.  I will continue to push government to make travel for medical purposes less of a burden financially for residents of the province, particularly for those residing in Labrador.@

Media Contact:
Kim Ploughman
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427