Province to cover ostomy supplies

Health Minister Robert Mitchell announced earlier this month that the province would be covering the cost of some supplies for individuals living with an ostomy.

Individuals living with an ostomy use an external pouch to eliminate waste from their body. An ostomy may be necessary due to birth defect, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or severe abdominal or pelvic trauma.

Ostomy advocates have said the cost of supplies can range from $200 to $1,000 per month. Under the new ostomy supplies program, all Islanders who require a permanent ostomy will be eligible for financial assistance.

The province says approximately 585 individuals are currently living with ostomies. Health Minister Robert Mitchell estimated the cost of the coverage would be $450,000 for the first year of the program.

“This new program will have a major impact on the lives of hundreds of Islanders currently living with ostomies,” Mitchell said.

“Living with an ostomy not only impacts your health and every day activities, but also your finances. We are taking action now, to provide financial support to those islanders in need.”

“I am thrilled with this news,” said Christine MacCallum, facilitator for the Charlottetown Ostomy Peer Support Group.

“We went from having no help to a really good and fair start to help Islanders living with an ostomy.”

The new program will come into effect Jan. 1, 2019. Coverage will be based on income and will range from 90 per cent coverage for individuals earning less than $20,000 per year to 60 per cent coverage for individuals earning more than $100,000 per year.

Through Health P.E.I., the province will continue to provide education and training in hospital by enterostomal therapists, as well as post-discharge supports inhome until patients are able to manage independently.

Supplies that will be covered will include skin wagers, ostomy pouches, adhesive removers, skin barrier wipes and ostomy belts.