Enteral feeding and ostomy

Who qualifies

To qualify for either enteral feeding pump and supplies funding or ostomy supplies, you must first:

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

We do not consider your income.

For enteral-feeding pump and supplies

To qualify for enteral-feeding pumps and supplies you must also:

• have a physical disability requiring enteral feeding to maintain nutrition
• need pump-feedings for six hours or more per day
• not be a resident of a long-term care home

For ostomy supplies

To qualify for ostomy supplies you must also:

• have had your disability for at least six months
• have one of the following types of permanent ostomies:
  • colostomy
  • ileostomy
  • urostomy
  • ileal conduit
  • urinary continent reservoir

Who does not qualify

You do not qualify, if:

• you are a patient of an acute or chronic care hospital
• you already qualify for, or are receiving, financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for enteral-feeding and ostomy supplies
• you are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for, or are receiving, financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for enteral-feeding and ostomy supplies

Enteral-feeding pumps and supplies

Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), we help cover the costs of an enteral-feeding pumps and supplies, including:

• feeding bags/containers
• tubes and catheters
• other accessories associated with using the enteral feeding pump (e.g. travel case, intravenous pole)

We do not cover the cost of formula.

Replacing enteral-feeding pump

You can apply to replace an enteral-feeding pump, when:

• your medical condition has changed and the pump no longer meets your needs
• it is worn out and no longer under warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost

Amount covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, you can get:

• up to $549.75 for a portable pump or $355.50 for a stationary pump
• $1,500 per year (paid in four installments, every three months) for other feeding supplies

You must pay any costs over these maximum amounts.

Apply for enteral-feeding pumps and supplies

Follow these four steps to apply:

1. See your doctor or a nurse practitioner for an examination to confirm whether or not you need a pump and supplies.

   They may also refer you to a nutritional specialist (e.g. nurse, dietitian, or occupational therapist) who specializes in enteral nutrition.

2. Choose the pump and supplies you need with the help of your doctor, nurse practitioner or nutritional specialist.

   You choose where to buy the supplies. Your doctor, the nurse practitioner or nutritional specialist can help you find a retailer near you.

3. Fill out the application form with the help of your doctor, nurse practitioner or nutritional specialist.

4. Mail the completed form to:

   Assistive Devices Program
   5700 Yonge St., 7^th Floor
   Toronto, ON M2M 4K5

Find out what happens after you apply.

Ostomy supplies

Through the Assistive Devices Program, we help cover the costs of supplies for permanent ostomies, including:

• permanent colostomy
• ileostomy
• urostomy
• ileal conduit
• urinary continent reservoir/pouch

Amount covered

If you qualify, and your application is approved, you get $975 per ostomy each year. The amount is paid to you in two instalments (every six months).

You will receive $1,300 per ostomy each year (paid in two installments every six months) if you live in a long-term care home, or receive social assistance benefits through one of the following programs:

• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities

You must pay any costs over these maximum amounts.

Apply for ostomy supplies

Follow these three steps to apply:

1. See your doctor or a nurse practitioner for an examination to confirm you qualify for financial support through the ADP.

2. Fill out the application form with the help of your doctor or the nurse practitioner. They may also refer you to a nutritional specialist who can show you how to use the supplies if needed.

   You choose where to buy the supplies. Your doctor, the nurse practitioner or nutritional specialist can help you find a retailer near you.

3. Mail the completed application form to:

   Assistive Devices Program
   5700 Yonge St., 7^th Floor
   Toronto ON M2M 4K5

After you apply

We aim to review your application for ostomy supplies, or an enteral-feeding pump and supplies, within eight weeks of receiving it.

If you order or buy the pump or any of the supplies before we have completed our review, and your application is denied, you are responsible for the full cost.

If your application is approved

You will receive the first payment for ostomy supplies, or an enteral-feeding pump and supplies, within 30 days of the date your application is approved.

Receiving payments

You can have payments directly deposited into your bank account. Please fill out and submit the Application for Direct Bank Payment to the address on the form as soon as possible.

Otherwise you will receive payment by cheque in the mail.

Getting additional coverage

If you receive social assistance from Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, you can get additional coverage:

• up to 100% of the cost of an enteral-feeding pump covered
• more money for enteral-feeding pump and ostomy supplies

You can get more money for ostomy supplies only if you live in a long-term care home.

How to renew

You must renew your financial support every two years for ostomy supplies and enteral-feeding pump and supplies.

Three months before your renewal date, we will send you a letter and form to renew with the ADP.