Contributed
The Guardian
Islanders who need ostomy supplies will get greater coverage starting Jan. 1, with some having them completely covered through the Ostomy Supplies Program (OSP).
The OSP assists with costs associated with permanent ostomies and Islanders may be eligible for coverage of out-of-pocket expenses to a maximum of $2,400 a year.
The increased coverage will bring the costly supplies in line with the Island’s Insulin Pump Program thresholds, said Minister of Health James Aylward in a statement.
“By providing additional funding assistance for these supplies, Islanders can concentrate on managing their health and improving their quality of life.”
Changes to the program will increase coverage per income threshold:
-Those with a household income of $0 to $19,999 will be eligible for 100 per cent coverage (previously 90 per cent coverage);
-Those with a household income of $20,000 to $39,999 will be eligible for 95 per cent coverage (previously 80 per cent coverage); and
-Those with a household income of $40,000 to $49,999 will be eligible for 90 per cent coverage (previously 80 per cent coverage).
Under the program, eligible supplies include: skin wafers, ostomy pouches, adhesive removes, skin barrier wipes, ostomy belts, stoma powders, pastes and barrier rings.
Since January 2019, OSP provided assistance for about 250 P.E.I. residents, some of whom would not have otherwise been able to afford the supplies, said Tanya Tynski, Health P.E.I. executive director of pharmacare in the statement.
“With the high cost for Ostomy supplies, Islanders who are eligible for the program should apply to help offset any extra expenses, especially around the holidays.”
Islanders can apply to the Ostomy Supplies Program online or call the PEI Pharmacare Program toll-free 1-877-577-3737.
