Who qualifies

To qualify, you must:

  • be an Ontario resident
  • have a valid Ontario health card

We do not consider your income.

Qualifying for custom orthotic braces

In addition to the above, you must have a physical disability requiring a custom orthotic brace for 6 months or longer.

Qualifying for compression garments

In addition to the above, you must have primary or secondary lymphedema, or hypertrophic (raised, burn-related) scarring. (Pumps are funded for primary lymphedema only.)

Who does not qualify

You do not qualify, if:

  • you already qualify for or are receiving financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for the same garment, pump or orthotic brace
  • you are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same garment, pump or orthotic brace

Garments and pumps

Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), we help cover the cost of:

  • orthoses (such as face masks) for hypertrophic, or raised, scars resulting from burns
  • compression garments for hypertrophic scars
  • compression garments and sleeves for chronic lymphedema (when excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling)
  • extremity pumps for treating primary lymphedema by aiding blood flow

You may also hear these garments and pumps referred to as pressure modification devices.

Replacing garments

You can apply to replace a compression garment if either:

  • your medical condition and/or functional ability have changed, resulting in your garment no longer meeting your needs
  • your garment is worn out, and is no longer covered by warranty

We do not cover costs for replacements resulting from neglect or misuse.

Replacing pumps

You can apply to replace a pump if either:

  • your medical condition and/or functional ability has changed, resulting in your pump no longer meeting your needs
  • your pump is worn out, is no longer covered by warranty, and requires repairs that cannot be done at a reasonable cost

We do not cover costs for replacements resulting from neglect or misuse.

What is not covered

The ADP does not provide funding for:

  • devices needed for a time period of less than 6 months
  • devices used to treat varicose veins, venous insufficiency, or thrombo-embolosis
  • pressure inserts, silastic elastomers, and dressings used to manage scarring or vascular conditions
  • elastic compression bandages and wraps
  • devices that are implanted or inserted into the body
  • hyperbaric pressure chamber treatments
  • repairs of garments or pumps

How much is covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, the ADP will pay 75% of the cost of your devices directly to the business that sold you the garments or pump. You must pay the remaining 25% of the cost directly to the business.

Apply for garments and pumps

Follow these 4 steps to apply for a garment or pump:

  1. Get examined by an ADP-registered Burn Team (if you have hypertrophic scarring) or an ADP-registered Lymphedema Team (if you have lymphedema). These teams will assess your medical condition and will help you to find out what kinds of garments or pumps you need. They will also help you to start filling out your application form.

    Email us at adp@ontario.ca for assistance finding a Burn Team or Lymphedema Team.

  2. Find a business registered with the ADP using the table below. This business will sell you your garments or pump. Your Burn Team or Lymphedema Team can help you find one.

 

  1. Continue filling out the application form with the help of the business.
  2. The business will submit the completed application form to the ADP.

Find out what happens after you apply.

Custom orthotic braces

Through the ADP, we help cover the cost of arm, leg, spinal, and cranial braces.

Replacing custom orthotic braces

You can only apply to replace an orthotic device if:

  • your medical condition and/or functional ability has changed, resulting in your equipment no longer meeting your needs, or
  • your equipment is worn out, is no longer covered by warranty, and requires repairs that cannot be done at a reasonable cost

We do not cover costs for repairs or replacements resulting from neglect or misuse.

Types of orthotics not covered

The ADP does not provide funding for:

We also do not cover:

  • devices needed for less than 6 months
  • devices needed only at night, or while at rest
  • devices needed for temporary medical conditions (such as bone fractures)
  • devices needed only for one activity (such as work, school, or sports)
  • devices needed for treatment purposes (such as those used to shape or mold the cranium)
  • certain types of foot orthoses that provide support under the foot and up to the ankle joint
  • a back-up orthosis for the same body area
  • orthoses designed to prevent self-injury
  • shoes and shoe modifications
  • treatment devices, such as
    • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators
    • neuromuscular stimulators
    • continuous passive motion machines
    • electromagnetic bone growth stimulators

How much is covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, the ADP will pay 75% of the cost of your device directly to the business that sold you the orthotic brace. You must pay the remaining 25% of the cost directly to the business.

Apply for a custom orthotic brace

Follow these 5 steps to apply for a custom orthotic brace:

  1. Get examined by your family doctor or a physician specializing in one of the following areas:

    • geriatrics
    • general surgery
    • medical oncology
    • neurosurgery
    • neurology
    • orthopedic surgery
    • pediatrics
    • plastic surgery
    • physiatry
    • radiation oncology
    • rheumatology

    These physicians may also refer you to another physician, or to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist registered with the ADP.

  2. Fill out the application form with the help of the doctor or specialist.
  3. Find a business, using the table below, that can sell you your orthotic device. The business must be registered with the ADP. Your doctor or specialist can help you to find a business.

 

  1. Meet with the business to decide how your orthotic brace will be constructed to meet your specific needs, and how much it will cost.
  2. Complete the application form with the help of the business. The business will forward the completed form to the ADP.

After you apply

We aim to review your application for a custom orthotic brace, compression garment, or lymphedema pump within 8 weeks of receiving it.

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from us telling you the reason for the denial and how you can follow up, including appealing our decision.

It is important to follow the steps above before purchasing your device(s). If you order or buy your device(s) before these steps have been completed, you will be responsible for paying the full cost.

If your application is approved

If your application for a compression garment, lymphedema pump, or custom orthotic brace is approved, we will notify the business.

They will contact you to let you know of our decision and to arrange a time for delivery. Be sure to ask the business how much you will be responsible for.

When you receive the garment, pump or custom brace, you must pay your 25% of the cost. We pay the business the remaining 75% directly.

Getting 100% coverage

The ADP covers 100% of the cost (or up to 100% of the maximum amount), if you receive financial support from one of these programs: