Budget Bulletin: $33 Million More to Enhance Seniors' Program

FINANCE--Budget Bulletin: $33 Million More to Enhance Seniors' Programs

In 2003-04, an additional $33.1 million will be invested to protect the quality of nursing home and home care, expand access to home care, and make nursing homes and drugs more affordable for seniors.

The long-term care budget will increase by $18.1 million to a total of $222.5 million in 2003-04. Of that amount, $8.5 million is being invested to continue government's efforts to reduce the costs of nursing homes for seniors; and $9.6 million is being invested to meet increasing costs and protect the quality of care for seniors.

The budget contains $9.7 million to meet government's commitment to freeze the premium and co-pay within the senior's Pharmacare program. As well, the co-pay will be capped at a maximum of $30 per prescription. This means that seniors will continue to pay 33 per cent of individual prescription costs, but to a maximum of $30 per prescription. For example, seniors now pay $49.50 for a prescription that costs $150. Starting on April 1, they will only pay $30.

The home care budget is increasing by $5.3 million to a total of $126.6 million in 2003-04. This includes a $2.4-million increase for services provided by VON and home support services. As well, $1.1 million is being invested to address the existing wait list for home care services.

Your Health Matters, released in March, identified these priority areas. Consultation will soon get underway on the full range of services that should be available to seniors to help them maintain their independence and stay close to home.