Major changes announced yesterday to Medical Transportation Assistance will improve access to health care. As part of Budget 2026, government committed to 100 per cent coverage of eligible travel expenses for residents needing to access specialized medical services. Health and Community Services Minister Joedy Wall says along with enhancements, this will remove financial barriers, offer greater support, and ensure a more equal health care system.
Minister of Labrador Affairs, Lela Evans spoke about the enhancements like increasing reimbursements to $0.35 per kilometre for private vehicle use. Other enhancements include doubling the private accommodation rate to $50 a night, increasing meal per diem rates, and the removal of the $400 deductible.
Meanwhile, Sheree Snow is the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the Medical Transportation Assistance Program. She spoke about how some services in Corner Brook will be available to residents of St. John’s and the Avalon, who will be covered under the program.
These changes apply to eligible travel costs on or after September 1st.
