QUEEN’S PARK—During Question Period November 26, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha pushed the government to provide an update to Northerners on the enhanced Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG) provisions that were announced earlier this year.
“Almost seven months ago, the Minister of Health announced that the government would be enhancing the Northern Health Travel Grants,” MPP Mantha said. “Why are Northerners still waiting?”
“Over a yar ago, I introduced legislation to improve NHTG,” said MPP Mantha. “I heard from hundreds of Northerners who want equal access to healthcare and who want this government to address the program shortfalls.” His office has sent multiple requests to the MOH on behalf of constituents who want to know when they can access the additional program provisions.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones replied to MPP Mantha’s pressing on the issue by indicating the grant improvements were slated to be in place as soon as December 1 or very soon thereafter.
“Starting December 1, we have an additional enhancement that says 200 kilometres is going to 100 kilometres and for costs of accommodation expanding of eligibility for medical travel companions accompanying a patient,” said Minister Jones.
These enhancements including increased reimbursements for overnight accommodations, reducing travel distance requirements, digital receipt submission and expanding travel companion eligibility.
