Medical Supplies/Services Program

This program covers:

• Ambulation aids (canes, crutches and 2-wheeled walkers)
• Blood pressure monitors for long-term use
• Burn supplies (burn garments, burn dressings)
• Central venous access device (CVAD) supplies (ex. port-a-cath)
• Infusion pump monthly rental and purchase of necessary supplies
• Personal emergency response system rental (ex. Lifeline)
• Pressure gradient garments (medical-grade compression stockings, knee- or thigh-length; compression sleeves)
• Special Authorization benefits (compression pantyhose, compression wraps, custom-made compression garments)

This program does not cover:

• Walker/transport chair combinations
• Blood pressure monitors for short-term use
• Blood pressure monitors that are not basic models
• Emergency response monitoring for cell phones
• Emergency response monitoring for clients in residential facilities or hospital
• Installation or provision of a telephone for emergency response monitoring
• Non-basic features for emergency response monitoring systems
• Liners, undersleeves or stockinettes for compression garments
• Donning gloves or devices for compression garments
• Garter belts, adhesives or washing solutions for compression garments

For details and a complete list of benefits, see the Medical Supplies/Services Policy.

To apply for ambulation aids:

• Get a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner specifying your diagnosis and the duration of your need.
• Take the prescription to the pharmacy or medical supplier of your choice.
• The supplier will send your prescription and an estimate to Health Services to request approval.
• Health Services will review the request and notify the supplier of their decision.
• If the request is approved, the supplier can provide your ambulation aid and bill Health Services directly.

                                        OR

• You can be assessed by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who may try various pieces of equipment to determine what would best meet your medical needs.
• The therapist will complete the application and send it to Health Services, along with a quote from a medical supplier.
• Health Services will review the request and notify the therapist and supplier of their decision.
• If the request is approved the supplier can provide your ambulation aid and bill Health Services directly.

To apply for a blood pressure monitor:

• Get a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner specifying your diagnosis and the duration of your need.
• Take your prescription to the pharmacy or medical supplier of your choice.
• The supplier will submit your prescription and an estimate to Health Services to request approval.
• Once Health Services makes a decision, they will notify the supplier.
• If the request is approved, the supplier can provide your blood pressure monitor to you and bill Health Services directly.

To apply for burn supplies, CVAD supplies, infusion pump rental and supplies:

• Get a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner indicating the supplies you need every month and the duration of your need.
• Take your prescription to the pharmacy or medical supplier of your choice.
• The supplier will submit your prescription and an estimate to Health Services to request approval.
• Once Health Services makes a decision, they will notify the supplier.
• If the request is approved, the supplier can provide you with the products and quantities approved monthly and bill Health Services directly.

To apply for Personal Emergency Response Monitoring (PERS):

• Print the Personal Emergency Response Monitoring Application Form or ask your case manager for a copy.
• Complete the Client Information Section or ask your case manager for help.
• Take the form to your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask them to complete their section.
• Take the form to your case manager or social worker so that they can confirm you are eligible and ensure the form is properly completed. They will submit the form to Health Services on your behalf.
• Health Services will notify the supplier and your case manager, if they were involved, of the decision.
• If approved, the service provider will install the PERS on your landline phone and bill Health Services monthly.

To apply for pressure gradient garments:

• Get a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner indicating the type of garment and compression you need.
• Take the prescription to the pharmacy or medical supplier of your choice.
• The supplier will submit your prescription and an estimate to Health Services to request approval.
• Health Services will notify the supplier of their decision.
• If approved, the supplier can provide your compression garment(s) and bill Health Services directly.