Purpose

The Mandatory Special Necessities (MSN) Benefit is available to all members of the ODSP benefit unit, including dependent adults, where an approved health care professional has verified that an applicant, as a direct result of a surgical, radiological or medical procedure or disease, requires medical supplies, items, and devices listed in the MSN Schedule of Benefits ("the Schedule").

The Schedule supports ODSP staff with administering the MSN Benefit. Find out how to apply for the benefit.

Schedule Categories

The MSN benefit covers the cost of eligible medically necessary supplies, items, and devices, captured under the following categories within the Schedule:

Coverage is provided only for eligible items listed under the Schedule when an approved health care professional confirms that the applicant has been diagnosed with a medical condition and specifies the expected duration of need for the required supplies, items, and devices. Approval will only be granted for entry-level devices or core models that provide basic functionality and is based on the most economical costs.

Other Sources of Funding

The cost of supplies, items, devices or medical travel must not be otherwise reimbursed or subject to reimbursement from any other source, including other government programs (e.g., Ontario Health atHome, Assistive Devices Program, Ministry of Health) or private programs such as private health insurance.

For example, if an ODSP recipient is receiving professional health care services from Ontario Health atHome (e.g., wound care, ostomy care or catheter care), Ontario Health atHome provides the supplies needed for the services they are receiving.

The Schedule is comprehensive and the types of items ineligible for the benefit are listed below.

Exclusions

Exclusions are items that are not eligible under the MSN Benefit, including but not limited to:  

  • items specifically for sports, for school, or are work-related
  • clothing, including footwear
  • items for cosmetic purposes
  • experimental equipment and/or experimental therapy
  • cost of therapy treatment (e.g., occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, etc.)
  • exercise equipment, including gym memberships (e.g., treadmills, exercise balls, etc.)
  • medical supplies or items used by a health care professional providing treatment/services (e.g., suture kits)
  • household items/products (e.g., cleaning supplies, furniture, security systems, internet, etc.)
  • home renovations (e.g., ramps, stair lifts, etc.)
  • dental items/supplies (e.g., retainers, mouth guards, dental products, etc.)
  • medical treatment (e.g., surgery, laboratory fees for uninsured services under the Ontario Health Insurance Act)
  • medications (e.g., over the counter or not covered through the Ontario Drug Benefit, Ministry of Health (MOH))
  • repair of items under warranty
  • environmental controls (e.g. air conditioning, filtration systems)
  • all mobility devices (e.g., boomer buggies, scooters, e-bikes and wheelchairs) including modifications to Assistive Devices Program approved mobility devices
  • other exclusions as noted under each schedule category