May 26, 2023
The aim is to reduce surgical wait times by supporting patients with travel and accommodation expenses and moving them to sites with a shorter wait time. The program will offer $0.57 per km for patients using a personal vehicle and accommodation expenses of up to $85 per night if they travel over 50 km one-way for their appointment. The province expects about 2,400 patients will be eligible for the one-year program and the estimated cost is $946,000. To be eligible, patients must:
- Have a confirmed surgery, endoscopy or cystoscopy appointment date;
- Be on the provincial wait list for the procedure;
- Have a gross family income of less than $35,000 a year; and
- Not have private insurance that covers travel and accommodation.