THUNDER BAY -- The Ontario government Friday released details of improvements to the Northern Health Travel Grant program that will take effect Nov. 1.
Coverage of lodging expenses will increase from $100 to up to $550, based on the duration of the medical-related trip.
Funding for the improved subsidy was first announced in the government's 2017 budget. In May, at an event in Thunder Bay, Health Minister Eric Hoskins said the $10 million dollar addition to the program would increase the accommodation portion by up to five times the current amount.
The new rates for patients whose medical specialist services or ministry-funded health care facility-based procedures are provided on or after November 1, 2017 are as follows:
- $100 per lodging night up to two lodging nights
- $250 for three lodging nights
- $500 for four to seven lodging nights
- $550 for eight or more lodging nights
According to a government news release, the Northern Health Travel Grant helps an average of 200,000 people a year.
