Financial Assistance

For information about our Compassion Fund, the Lymphedema Associations of Ontario's own financial assistance fund, please click here!

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

From ADP site Feb 2018:

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides funding assistance for Pressure Modification Devices (PMD)—compression garments and sleeves—for chronic lymphedema management as well as sequential extremity pumps for primary lymphedema management. Any resident of Ontario with a valid Ontario health card is eligible to apply. The ADP pays 75% of the approved cost. Those receiving benefits from certain social assistance programs may be eligible for 100% funding of the approved cost. An Application for Funding Pressure Modification Devices form can be obtained from an ADP registered authorizer or vendor or downloaded and printed from the ADP website.

For more information on the ADP, you can visit the following page at:

www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program

You can email ADP directly at: adp@ontario.ca

Alternately, you may call the ADP at 416-327-8804
Toll free at 1-800-268-6021 or TTY at 1-800-387-5559.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Have an ADP Approved Specialist sign and date the application to confirm a diagnosis of Lymphedema. The list of approved specialist can be found in the information sheet above.
   
   
2. Have an ADP Registered Authorizer sign and date the application to authorize the garments/pump
   
   
3. Have an ADP Registered Fitter measure and provide garments appropriate for the client
   
   
4. Have the registered vendor invoice ADP for 75% and invoice the client for the remaining 25%

ABOUT PRESSURE MODIFICATION DEVICES 

Pneumatic Compression Pumps: A Patient’s Perspective
by Adriana Muth

There are tow types of pumps:

• Off-the-shelve compression pumps (i.e. available on Amazon, Temu, etc)
• Class II Medical Device pumps regulated by Health Canada – medical prescription REQUIRED

The Lymphedema Association of Ontario (LAO) does not endorse the off-the-shelve pumps. The items discussed below relate exclusively to pumps recognized as Medical Devices by Health Canada.

There are different names in use for the pumps, all referring to the same type of medical device: Pneumatic Compression Devices (PCD), Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC), Sequential Extremity Pump, Pneumatic Compression Pump (PCP), Lymphedema Pump. We will use PCP for simplification going forward.

While lymphedema treatment using a PCP can have significant benefits in some cases, a PCP can also pose risks or not be allowed for treatment in other cases. The patient needs to consult their medical practitioner before starting the process of acquiring a PCP.

A. Primary Lymphedema

Only patients diagnosed with primary lymphedema are eligible to receive financial assistance from the Assistive Devices Program of Ontario (ADP) for the acquisition of PCPs.  

The Application Form for a PCP is slightly different from the application for compression garments, as it requires an additional signature of an ADP registered Lymphedema Team. 

Funding for Pressure Modification Devices:

Information and Application - Ministry of Heath and Long-Term Care

(English and French)

ADP APPROVED SPECIALISTS

Doctors or specialists that can examine you, diagnose you and sign your application form must practice in one of the following areas:

• cardiovascular surgery
• vascular surgery
• orthopaedic surgery
• radiation oncology
• medical oncology
• internal medicine
• paediatrics
• physiatry
• plastic surgery
• general surgery

A general practitioner in oncology, gynaecological oncologist, wound care specialist or a dermatologist with applicable experience may also assess you.

If applying for funding for a sequential extremity pump, the specialist physician will be a member of an ADP registered lymphedema team.

ADP REGISTERED AUTHORIZERS

Many of the LE MLD/CDT-Certified Therapists listed on our website are ADP Registered Authorizers. For more information about ADP Registered Authorizers near you,  you may email the ADP directly at adp@ontario.ca.

ADP REGISTERED FITTERS/VENDORS

For details on funding of Pressure Modification Devices for lymphedema management through the ADP and to access the most current list of ADP Registered Vendors, you can visit the ADP website at: 

www.ontario.ca/page/garments-pumps-and-braces

ORGANISATIONS THAT CAN HELP

The ADP can only cover part of the cost for your equipment and supplies.

If you can’t afford to pay your share, contact one of the following volunteer and charity organizations about financial support:

• Easter Seals Ontario
• March of Dimes Canada
• The War Amps
• Kiwanis
• Lions Clubs

Lymphedema Related Costs

Comprehensive lymphedema treatment is not covered by Ontario Healthcare. However, government support is only one source of funding patients should explore.

Insurance Providers

The coverage provided by specific employee-based health benefits and private insurance programs varies greatly. Manual lymph drainage is usually reimbursed under the categories of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, registered massage therapy or sometimes nursing care. If submitted expenses are refused by your insurance provider, it is prudent to challenge the decision by speaking with a program administrator and sending them information about lymphedema. A letter of support from your therapist or physician may also help your claim.

Income Tax Deductions

Certain medical expenses can be itemized as deductions on your income tax return to help reduce the amount of income tax you pay. Examples of eligible costs are: 

• Unpaid balance of expenses for treatment/supplies not covered by ADP or insurance
  
• Travel expenses related to MLD treatment
  
• Purchase of compression short stretch bandaging supplies
  

For more information on allowable expenses, refer to the Canada Customs and Revenue website (www.crs-arc.gc.ca) under forms and publications.

Community Support

Some community groups provide financial assistance for cancer related expenses to low income individuals. Check www.cancer.ca for an extensive database on local community services available. You can also check with the Canadian Red Cross, Hope Air, Easter Seals Ontario, March of Dimes Canada, The War Apmsyour local parish, Kiwanis, Lions or Rotary Club in your neighbourhood.