[homeles_ot-l] ODSP mileage for medical transportation updated for first time in more than 16 years

[Linda O'Neil]

ODSP mileage for medical transportation updated for first time in more than 16 years
The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) has more than doubled mileage rates for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients travelling for authorized medical treatments.
Those driving to appointments will be compensated 40 cents and 41 cents in northern regions per kilometre for mileage, the first adjustment since 2000. ODSP recipients were previously only able to claim 18 cents and 18.5 cents in northern regions per kilometre.
The Jan. 10 announcement follows an appeal jointly launched by the Income Security Advocacy Centre and Aboriginal Legal Services to challenge the mileage rate provided for ODSP recipients who must travel by car to medical appointments.
An increase was previously denied at the Social Benefits Tribunal in January 2016. The Ontario Divisional Court granted the appeal in October 2016, agreeing that the rate of 18 cents was unreasonable and not justifiable as part of the government's mandate to effectively serve persons with disabilities as well as Ontario taxpayers. It found that the cost incurred paying a higher mileage rate would be considerably lower than the cost of alternative transportation such as taxi or agency driver.
The MCSS policy change shows a commitment from government to provide adequate support for Mandatory Special Necessities, including medical transportation that reflects current costs of living.
However, MCSS did not make changes to the referral process for mental health services, and it therefore remains only as prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. CMHA Ontario will continue to advocate for changes to this policy to broaden access to mental health and addictions providers in this category of medical treatment.
http://ontario.cmha.ca/news/odsp-mileage-medical-transportation-updated-first-time-16-years/
Linda O'Neil
Public Education Consultant
Conseillère en éducation communautaire

Capacity Building and Education Division
Division de l'éducation et la mobilisation communautaire

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch
Association canadienne pour la santé mentale, Section d'Ottawa
301-1355 rue Bank Street, Ottawa, ON    K1H 8K7
Tel: 613-737-7791 Ext. 135     Fax: 613-737-7644   Cell: 613-552-4505
Email: loneil at cmhaottawa.ca<mailto:loneil at cmhaottawa.ca> Website: ottawa.cmha.ca<http://www.cmhaottawa.ca/>

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