In Quebec, financial assistance for people with ostomies depends on both the status of the surgery and their financial means.
Permanent ostomy patients
Individuals with a permanent ostomy can enroll in the Quebec Health Insurance Board's (RAMQ) Program for Appliances Provided to Permanent Ostomy Patients. This program provides them with an annual allowance of $700.00 for the purchase of their ostomy supplies. Following your surgery, you must complete the RAMQ form and you will receive your first allowance of $700.00 within a few weeks. Subsequently, you will receive your allowance annually on the anniversary of your surgery.
Here is the link that explains in detail how this program works: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/citoyens/programmes-aide/Pages/appareils-stomises-permanents.aspx
Here is the registration form to fill out: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/citoyens/fr/formulaires/form-inscrip-stomises-3095-fr.pdf
Temporary ostomy patients
People with temporary ostomies do not have access to any government assistance for the purchase of their ostomy supplies.
Private insurance
Whether you have a temporary or permanent ostomy, most private insurance companies cover your ostomy supplies. For temporary ostomies, private insurance companies cover all your purchases according to the negotiated coverage rate. For permanent ostomies, private insurance companies will cover the amount exceeding the $700.00 provided by RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance Plan). For example, a person with a permanent ostomy who purchases $1,500 worth of ostomy supplies per year and has private insurance with 80% coverage will be covered by their insurance company for $640.00, which is 80% of the $800.00 (the amount not reimbursed by RAMQ).
Taxes
In most cases, you can deduct your unreimbursed expenses for ostomy supplies on your tax return.
Quebec Social Assistance Program
The Quebec Social Assistance Program can offer you last-resort financial assistance for a special disposal system if you have a stoma and lack the financial means to purchase your appliance. Please contact your social assistance worker, who will be happy to assist you with the application process.
CSST, SAAQ
If you have suffered a work-related accident or a road accident requiring surgery (stoma), you will be eligible for full coverage. Certain conditions apply, and please consult these organizations, which will assist you with the application process.
Foundations
Some foundations provide assistance to people with ostomies who lack the financial means to purchase their medical supplies. Social workers in hospitals or CLSCs (local community health centres) are important resources who can direct you to one of these foundations.
Here are two foundations that serve low-income populations affected by cancer:
