Publicly Funded Medical Travel Subsidy Programs in Canada

Abstract

Rural residents can incur substantial travel-related costs to receive needed care. In this study, we describe and compare the medical travel programs offered by provincial and territorial governments. We conducted a document analysis of medical travel subsidy programs available in Canada to the general public. Only programs funded and administered by provincial/territorial governments were included. Based on the information that we collected, we determined there were three types of programs. Discount programs (BC) allow eligible patients to receive reduced or waived prices for travel and lodging at designated providers. Non-reimbursement programs (BC, SK) cover the costs of travel and lodging without requiring patients to pay for costs up-front. In reimbursement programs (MB, ON, QC, PEI, NS, NL, YK, NWT, NT), patients generally pay costs up-front and then submit claims for reimbursement after receiving the health service. Rates, co-payments, and maximum allowable amounts vary by program. Our findings indicated that although many provinces and territories offer medical travel subsidy programs, the availability, terms, and conditions vary widely. The study highlights regional disparities that may contribute to inequitable access to care across Canada.Les résidents en milieu rural peuvent cumuler des frais de déplacement substantiels pour se faire soigner. Dans la présente étude, nous décrivons et comparons les programmes de transport pour raison médicale offerts par les gouvernements provinciaux et territoriaux. Nous avons mené une analyse documentaire des programmes de subvention des déplacements pour soins médicaux dont peut bénéficier la population au Canada. Seuls les programmes financés et gérés par les gouvernements provinciaux ou territoriaux ont été retenus. À partir de cette analyse, nous avons déterminé qu’il existe trois types de programmes. Il y a les programmes de rabais (C.-B.), qui accordent aux patients admissibles des rabais ou une dispense sur les frais de voyage et de logement chez des fournisseurs désignés. Il y a les programmes de non-remboursement (C.-B., Sask.), qui couvrent les frais de déplacement et de logement sans que le patient ait à les payer initialement. Enfin, il y a les programmes de remboursement (Man., Ont., Qc, Î.-P.-É., N.-É., T.-N., Yn, T. N.-O., Nt), qui exigent généralement que le patient paie les frais puis soumette une demande de remboursement une fois qu’il a été soigné. Le taux de remboursement, la quote-part et les montants admissibles maximaux varient d’un programme à l’autre. Nous avons constaté que, même si bien des provinces et territoires ont des programmes de subvention des déplacements pour soins médicaux, il y a de grandes différences parmi ceux qui sont offerts et leurs modalités. Cette étude fait ressortir des disparités régionales qui pourraient contribuer aux iniquités en matière d’accès aux soins à l’échelle du Canada

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