Manitoba Health’s Palliative Care Drug Access
Program respects the dignity of people in the final stages of life by
supporting their decision to choose where they would prefer to spend
their final days.
Individuals who choose a hospital or personal care
home for the final days of their life have their drug costs covered by
the health care system. Manitoba Health has set up a program so that
the same drug coverage will now apply to patients who choose to die at
home or in another residence.
This program is designed for people at the end stages
of their illness, when the focus of care is on comfort. By covering
the cost of these eligible drugs for use in the home, a major
financial burden is removed for the patient and their family.
What does the program cover?
The Palliative Care Drug Access Program provides
deductible-free coverage through Manitoba Health. Once the application
has been processed by Manitoba Health, the costs of all eligible drugs
prescribed by a physician will be covered. When filling their
prescriptions at the pharmacy of their choice, individuals enrolled in
the program will no longer be charged for their prescribed medication.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to residents of Manitoba, with a
current Manitoba Health registration number. The patient and physician
must agree on palliative care, dealing with an advanced phase of a
terminal illness.
Enrollment in the program
Beginning December 9, 2002, when a physician makes a
palliative diagnosis, an application form must be completed and signed
by both the patient (or guardian) and a physician. The physician will
then send the completed application form to the palliative care
coordinator in the local regional health authority. If the patient is
eligible for coverage, the form will be forwarded to Manitoba Health
for final approval and registration.
Application forms are available to physicians through
the palliative care co-ordinator at the regional health authority.
The patient or guardian will receive notification
regarding acceptance into the program from their physician.
If a patient does not meet the criteria for the
program, the physician may request a review of the application.
A Palliative Care Drug Access Program Advisory Committee consisting of
palliative care physicians and practitioners is in place to review
these requests and make recommendations to Manitoba Health.
Obtaining prescriptions
Patients accepted into the program will be registered
with the Palliative Care Drug Access Program and can get their
eligible prescription drugs at no charge at the pharmacy of their
choice.
How long will coverage continue?
Once the application is approved by Manitoba Health,
the patient will be advised that they are eligible for coverage for
their eligible prescribed medication. Coverage will continue as
long as it is required by the patient.
What is not covered?
-
drug expenses incurred before the patient is
registered in the program
-
nutritional supplements
-
any supplies required that are available through
other health services such as the Home Care Program
-
medications for palliative patients who are in
publicly funded facilities such as acute care hospitals, long-term
care facilities and psychiatric hospitals.
List of Palliative Care
Coordinators
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