Good news for people who are eligible for health benefits from the Ministry of Social Development. Effective August 2, 2011, MSD has changed the health supplement regulations to provide a wider range of foot orthotics and specialized footwear (it should be noted that back in April 2010 MSD had imposed a number of restrictions pertaining to medical equipment and devices).

• If you have a doctor’s prescription stating that you medically require foot orthotics, MSD will now pay for off-the-shelf foot orthotics in addition to custom-made foot orthotics
• It will no longer be necessary to confirm that you are facing a foot amputation in order to qualify for foot orthotics
• The cost limit for custom-made foot orthotics has been increased from $375 to $450
• The replacement period for a pair of custom-made foot orthotics has been decreased from once every 4 years to once every 3 years
• MSD will now pay for off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear – with a cost limit of $250 and a one year replacement period
• If you need off-the-shelf footwear to accommodate a custom-made foot orthotic, MSD will now pay up to $125 with a one year replacement period

If you are someone or know someone, with MSD health benefit coverage, who requires any of the above items – or have been denied any of these items during the past year – contact a MSD office by phone or in-person as soon as possible.

Advocates at BCCPD can also advise you of health benefits available through MSD.

See more at the BC Government Online News Source here:

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2011/07/social-development-ministry-restores-orthotics-funding.html