September 2, 2004
Mr. Dave Page
President
Winnipeg Ostomy Association
204 - 825 Sherbrook St.
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5
Dear Mr. Page:
I am pleased to write to you about the elimination of co-payment for ostomy supplies under the Manitoba Ostomy Program.
Manitoba Health informed the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) of its commitment to eliminate the co-payment of ostomy supplies in a letter dated August 5, 2004. The WRHA will work with the Materials Distribution Agency (MDA), a special operating agency of the Manitoba Government, to initiate and coordinate the reimbursement of the co-payment. Clients will be reimbursed for all co-payments retroactive to April 1, 2004. This reimbursement excludes co-payments made by Health Canada's First Nation's and Inuit Health Branch, Veterans Affairs Canada, and/or personal care homes.
Clients will receive an information package with their next order of supplies. The package outlines the changes to the program and provides details with contact information. If clients have questions regarding the process for reimbursement, they should call the WRHA at 204-926-7000 in Winnipeg.
I hope that this initiative will reduce the financial pressure on Manitobans requiring ostomy supplies.
Sincerely,
Jim Rondeau
cc. Honourable Dave Chomiak, Minister of Health
