Medical Equipment and Nutritional Supplements
Medical Equipment and Supplies
All medical equipment/supply expenses require a physician prescription that includes a description of the equipment/supply and why it is being prescribed. Go to greenshield.ca for more details.
Diabetic equipment
What is Covered | Value |
|---|---|
Glucose monitoring systems (GMS) for short/intermediate-acting insulin, such as continuous and flash type monitors (long-acting insulin not covered) AND Disposable GMS supplies (used with the monitor), such as sensors and transmitters | $4,000 every year (January 1 to December 31) |
Pressure injection devices for insulin OR Insulin Pump | $1,000 every 5 years (beginning January 1) |
Insulin infusion pump (when not covered by a provincial health insurance plan) | $5,500 every 5 years (beginning January 1) Note: If you are approved for this benefit, you will not be able to use the $1,000 benefit listed above |
For individuals over 18 in Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers:
For other provinces, please review the Diabetes Canada website | |
Diabetic equipment coverage for dependents age 18 and under
Insulin infusion pump supplies prescribed by a physician as a result of Type 1 diabetes
- $250 per month
Corrective footwear and orthotics
One pair of custom-made corrective footwear (excluding off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear)
- $750 every year (January 1 to December 31)
Two pairs of custom-made foot orthotics
- $400 every 36 months (from date of purchase)
Compression stockings
Compression stockings
- Up to $800 every year for a maximum of 4 pairs (January 1 to December 31)
OR
Custom-made stockings (prescribed compression must be 20mmHg or greater)
- $1,000 every year (January 1 to December 31)
Equipment
Geriatric chair
- $2,000 lifetime maximum for one geriatric chair
Bathtub rails
- $100 lifetime maximum
Reusable under pads for wheelchairs
- Six pads every year (January 1 to December 31)
Standard whirlpool baths including installation
- $500 lifetime maximum
Soft casts
- $30 for every soft cast
Intravenous stands
- 100% of the reasonable and customary (R&C) limit; 1 per lifetime
Standard whirlpool baths
- 100% of the reasonable and customary (R&C) limit; 1 per lifetime plus $500 lifetime maximum for installation
Intermittent pressure units, neuromuscular stimulants, sitz baths, traction equipment, and vaporizers
- 100% of the reasonable and customary (R&C) limit; 1 every 5 years from date of purchase
Prosthetic appliances and joint treatment
Artificial prosthetics, ostomy sets, cochlear implants, knees
- 100% of the reasonable and customary (R&C) limit
Visco supplementation for moderate or severe osteoarthritis
- Up to $300 per treatment; $1,200 every 36 months
Wigs/hairpieces due to specific health issues
- Up to $400 per wig/hairpiece
What else is covered?
100% of the reasonable and customary (R&C) limit
- Hospital beds and rails, bedpans, raised toilets
- Mobility aids (e.g. crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, electric scooters)
- Pacemaker monitors, automatic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters
- Ulcer and dialysis equipment
- Disposable and cloth diapers
What is not covered?
- Deluxe equipment not necessary for treatment (e.g., motor driven wheelchairs and beds)
- Non-rigid supplies (e.g., elastic stockings, garter belts, and corsets)
- Items for comfort or convenience and not primarily medical (e.g., bed boards, over bed tables, adjust-a-bed, bathtub lifts, telephone arms, air conditioners, elevators, sauna baths)
- Disposable supplies and physician’s equipment (e.g., infusion pumps, stethoscope)
- Exercise and hygienic equipment (e.g., exercycles, bidets, toilet seats, bathtub seats)
- Arch supports, off-the-shelf foot orthotics
Go to greenshield.ca or call GreenShield at 1-877-266-5494.
Renting vs. buying medical equipment
Choosing to buy or rent medical equipment is based on the amount of time you will need it, which would be included in your physician’s prescription.
Any equipment you rent cannot be more than the cost to buy the equipment. If you need your rented equipment longer than what is in your original prescription, your physician must give you another prescription to extend your rental.
