The FNHA has committed to reviewing a $0.29/kilometre rate for communities experiencing higher travel costs. Health Benefits has worked with FNHA Regional Directors to determine the criteria and processes for eligibility for this higher rate. Health Benefits also reviewed all communities’ Medical Transportation Funding Agreements over the past year.
Here is a brief outline of the process used to determine eligibility and to notify communities eligible for the increased rate:
• A special mileage rate of $0.29/km for communities facing additional challenges when travelling by vehicle for health service was announced on October 1, 2014.
• As part of this process, the following criteria were assessed to determine eligibility:
o road type;
o distance and duration of travel;
o seasonal and/or challenging road conditions;
o availability of transport options; local price of fuel;
o and the availability of medical services in the community
• All communities in Medical Transportation Funding Agreements were assessed against these criteria
• The eligible communities were notified by way of letter
• The increase in the Medical Transportation budget reflected the entire fiscal year and was included in the October 2015 round of amendments for the eligible communities
• In addition to the communities selected for the higher rate, there are several other communities under review. We will be reviewing the criteria with those communities to determine their eligibility
The FNHA Health Benefits team looks forward to communicating further on changes to Mileage Rates in the coming months. If you have any further questions, please contact Paul Clairmont, Medical Transportation Program Coordinator at 604-693-6914.
