Apply for funding for boarding, transportation and ostomy supplies: Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy Program
The Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy Program helps cancer patients with costs related to boarding (staying overnight), transportation and ostomy supplies.
Use the Assistance for Cancer Patients Program Application Form to apply for funding to help with costs related to boarding (staying overnight), transportation and ostomy supplies.
What's covered
The Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy Program provides funding to help with:
- boarding costs if you travel more than 50 km one-way from your home to the treatment centre
- transportation costs if you use a personal vehicle, bus, shuttle or community transportation service to travel from your home to the treatment centre
- boarding and transportation costs for a travel companion if your doctor determines that a companion is essential
- ostomy supply costs
Transportation costs
If you use a personal vehicle to travel from your home to the treatment centre, the mileage reimbursement rate is $0.5890 per km. The mileage reimbursement rate changes on 1 April each year.
Travel companion costs
The program may cover the boarding (staying overnight) and transportation costs for a travel companion if your doctor determines that a companion is essential. The Assistance for Cancer Patients Program needs to verify with your doctor that a companion is essential and pre-approve their travel costs.
Eligibility
You can apply for funding if you:
- are a resident of Nova Scotia
- have a Health Card (the card can’t be expired)
- are receiving treatment (chemotherapy, radiation or surgery) for cancer at a treatment centre
- have a combined family income of $35,000 or less
- are not eligible for coverage under other drug programs
- don't have private insurance that covers the cost of transportation or accommodation
How to apply
- Complete the Assistance for Cancer Patients Program Application Form (PDF).
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to find out if you’re approved for funding. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply for the funding.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- Health Card number
- most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment
- most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for your spouse or partner, if applicable
- all adults on the application available to sign the form
Apply online
When you submit the form online you need to create an account or sign in. You also need to upload the Assistance for Cancer Patients Program Application Form PDF and any supporting documents.
You can use the Assistance for Cancer Patients Program Application Form (PDF 159 kB) if you’re unable to submit the form online. Send your completed form and supporting documents by mail or fax.