The financial aid for ostomates available in Quebec depends on the type of surgery and individual incomes.
Permanent ostomates
Permanent ostomates can register to the Ostomy Appliances Program held by the RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance Plan). This program allows a 700.00$ annual allocation to permanent ostomates for the purchase of their ostomy appliances. Once you have been operated and have filled the RAMQ form, in the following weeks you will receive your first annual allocation. For the years to follow, you will receive your annual allocation from the date of your operation.
Temporary ostomates do not have access to government financial aid for the purchase of their ostomy appliances.
Private insurance
Private insurance companies usually cover the purchase of ostomy appliances for temporary and permanent ostomates. For temporary ostomates, private insurance companies cover all your purchases depending on their coverage. For permanent ostomates, private insurance companies cover the excedent of your annual allocation of 700.00$ according to their coverage.
For instance, a permanent ostomate that purchases 1,500$ in ostomy appliances over the year and that also posesses a private insurance covering 80% of medical expenses receive a reimbursement of 640.00$ (80% of the excedent that is not covered by the RAMQ).
Income tax
Usually, you can deduct your ostomy appliance purchases that have not been reimbursed by any program or insurance from your income tax report.
Social Assistance
Quebec Social Assistance Program offers financial aid for elimination system appliances (including ostomy appliances). This aid is attributed to ostomates that cannot pay their ostomy appliances. You can call your social assistance program agent for immediate help.
CSST, SAAQ
If you were victim of a work accident or road accident and needed a surgery (stoma), you are eligible for complete coverage of your ostomy appliances. Some conditions may apply and you should contact the CSST or SAAQ to get assistance.
Foundations
Some foundations can help ostomates with the purchase of their ostomy appliances. Social workers in hospitals and CLSC are great resources that can direct you to one of these foundations.
Here is two foundations serving cancer patients with low incomes :
