The Province has expanded its orthotics supplement for income assistance clients to ensure basic mobility needs are addressed, announced Minister of Social Development Harry Bloy.

Eligible clients can now receive up to $450 for custom foot orthotics (from $375) and receive replacement orthotics every three years, rather than every four years.

The updated policy also funds a broader range of medically necessary foot orthotics and footwear, such as:

• Off-the-shelf foot orthotics with no cost limit and no time limit on when they can be replaced.
• Up to $250 for off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear, to be replaced once a year.
• Up to $125 a pair for off-the-shelf footwear, to be replaced once a year (only when the client needs the shoe to accommodate a custom-made orthotic or brace).

Orthotics are special equipment and shoes that help correct or improve a condition of the foot, ankle or leg. The orthotics must be medically necessary to meet daily living needs and prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

This regulation change will come into effect Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011.

Quick Facts:

• Orthotics can be used to treat such conditions as malformation of the foot and complications of diabetes.
• The Ministry of Social Development consulted with the Ministry of Health's senior medical consultant and PharmaCare staff to develop the policy changes.
• An expert physiatrist also reviewed the updated policy. Physiatrists are medical specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine.
• The ministry consulted with practicing podiatrist and member of the board of the B.C. Podiatric Medical Association, Dr. Dana Alumbaugh.
• About 140 clients currently benefit from the orthotics supplement program.

Learn More:

Video: http://youtu.be/mfZHl7doUOI

Contact:

Cindy MacDougall
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development
250 387-5635