Government Announces Enhancements to Medical Transportation Assistance

Minister of Labrador Affairs Lela Evans and Minister of Health and Community Services Joedy Wall announced enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program and the Medical Transportation Supports Program on Monday.

For eligible travel occurring on or after September 1, 2026, these changes will provide more support for residents who must travel to access specialized insured medical services. Changes include additional enhancements that will further expand assistance and help ensure residents can access specialized insured medical services based on medical need rather than their ability to pay for travel.

Additional enhancements include increasing the private vehicle mileage rate to $0.35 per eligible kilometre and reimbursing all eligible kilometres once the 500-kilometre mileage threshold is met, including the first 500 kilometres and reducing the minimum travel distance required to qualify for dialysis-related mileage assistance from 50 kilometres one way to 20 kilometres.

There will also be an increase in the private accommodation rate and an increase in meal per diem rates.

The $400 annual household deductible will also be removed.

Residents will also receive travel assistance to access specialized insured medical services sooner when capacity is available at another location within the province. New online claim services will also be introduced.