Support is now available to alleviate some of the financial stress associated with travelling off-Island for medical appointments, thanks to the launch of a new partnership with Maritime Bus, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“As a small province, it is not possible to offer every health care service on the Island. The province has been able to create partnerships with our other maritime provinces to ensure Islanders have access to quality health care,” said the minister. “This program ensures those Islanders who need it the most can get the assistance they require for medical travel costs and will help reduce the worry of how to get to their off-Island appointments.”
The Out-of-Province Travel Support Program provides assistance to eligible Island residents for travel on Maritime Bus to and from Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John, for approved health care services.
“We are proud to be part of this program – doing good things for the right reason is always exciting,” said Mike Cassidy, president of Maritime Bus.
Eligible Islanders with a household income of up to $35,000 will have the cost of the bus ticket fully covered through the program. Eligible Islanders with a household income of between $35,001 and $50,000 will receive a 50 per cent discount on the cost of their ticket. Assistance will also be provided to either a parent or guardian of a child less than 18 years of age, or a companion deemed medically necessary for the safety of the patient. In addition, Maritime Bus will offer a 25 per cent fare discount for a family member or a friend and has secured special rates at certain accommodations.
To apply to the program and for more information visit: www.healthpei.ca/ooptravelsupportprogram.