YG Medical Travel Regulations Amended

Thursday, 14 January 2021 11:41

As of January 1, 2021, the medical travel subsidy is $150 per day for multi-day travel for out-patients and for escorts accompanying in-patients. Patients and escorts will have access to a $75 per day subsidy for same day travel.

The Government of Yukon has amended the Travel for Medical Treatment Regulations. As of January 1, 2021, the medical travel subsidy is $150 per day for multi-day travel for out-patients and for escorts accompanying in-patients. Patients and escorts will have access to a $75 per day subsidy for same day travel. Beginning in 2022, the subsidy will be indexed yearly to the Canadian Consumer Price Index.

Authorized practitioners can now recommend travel anywhere in Canada, giving more flexibility in determining the most appropriate destination to respond to their patients’ needs.

To reflect the new vision of medical travel, a new care coordination and medical travel unit will be created in 2021–22. The unit will deliver wraparound support to all Yukoners travelling for medical treatment, including those travelling through other insurance programs such as Non-Insured Health Benefits.

Additionally, on December 31, 2020, the rural zone subsidy for travel to Whitehorse for specialist and laboratory visits by Whitehorse periphery residents ended.

"I am pleased to announce that with the approval to amend the Travel for Medical Treatment Regulations we are acting on the Putting People First recommendations. Our government is committed to reducing the financial strain faced by Yukoners travelling for medical treatment in and out of territory. I am proud of these improvements that are moving Yukon toward a more holistic and people-centred health and social services system that will better meet the needs of Yukoners." Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost

Putting People First is the final report of Yukon’s comprehensive review of health and social program and services.

The list of destination cities currently limits travel to Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton.

The Travel for Medical Treatment program is available to help eligible people with the cost of receiving medically necessary treatment. Yukoners are eligible for medical travel benefits if they are residents registered with the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan and meet the program requirements.

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