News

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is welcoming significant enhancements to Newfoundland and Labrador's Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP), recognizing the changes as an important step toward reducing the financial burden faced by people living with kidney disease and other chronic health conditions who must travel to access specialized care like dialysis or transplant-related appointments.

The government recently announced an additional $8.2 million investment in the medical transportation program, which now brings total annual funding to more than $14 million. The expanded program will provide 100% coverage of eligible expenses for patients who must travel outside their region for specialist appointments, diagnostic tests or treatments. Other improvements include updated mileage rates, removal of the annual deductible for in-province medical travel, reduction in the minimum distance requirement for dialysis patients, and a new online application portal to seek financial support.

For many Canadians living with kidney disease, access to care can depend on the ability to travel long distances for dialysis, transplant assessments, specialist consultations, and ongoing treatment. “These travel requirements often create significant out-of-pocket costs and add to the financial pressures already associated with managing a chronic illness,” said Carrie Thibodeau, National Director of Programs and Public Policy for The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

"This is fantastic news for the province and a long time coming," said Rosanna Mitchell, Executive Director of the Atlantic Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. "We spoke at length with the former Minister of Health about the transportation barriers faced by patients, and I would like to think that those conversations contributed to this outcome."

The announcement reflects growing recognition across Canada of the challenges faced by patients who must leave their communities to receive care. According to Ms. Thibodeau, improvements to transportation support have emerged in several provinces through the advocacy efforts of multiple organizations, including The Kidney Foundation. The expansion of transportation assistance directly aligns with the Foundation's commitment to reducing barriers to care and improving quality of life for people living with kidney disease.

The Kidney Foundation sees this announcement as an example of the type of progress envisioned through Canada's National Strategic Framework for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The CKD Framework calls for more coordinated approaches to kidney care across the country, including reducing inequities and barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and services they need. Access to affordable transportation is a critical component of continuity and access to routine kidney care, particularly for people living in rural, remote, and northern communities.

"I am pleased to see that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made important changes to (MTAP) that will provide great support to dialysis patients receiving care through our Kidney Care Centers,” said Social Assistance Worker Tracy Snow of Newfoundland & Labrador. “The reduction of the minimum travel distance required for dialysis-related mileage from 50 kilometers one way to 20 kilometers will allow patients to qualify for reimbursement of transportation cost between their homes and treatment locations, helping to reduce the financial burden associated with accessing essential medical care. Further, I am happy that the reimbursement claims can now be submitted online. This improvement will make the application and reimbursement process more accessible and efficient for patients, reducing processing times and allowing patients to receive their reimbursements more quickly. At a time when many patients and families are experiencing increased costs of living, these changes will provide meaningful financial relief and help ensure that transportation does not become a barrier to necessary kidney care."

The Kidney Foundation of Canada applauds the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for this investment. The Foundation looks forward to continuing to work with governments and stakeholders across the country to advance the goals of the National Strategic Framework for CKD and create a more equitable system of kidney care for all Canadians.