Kamloops This Week
A user fee for wheelchairs may be coming to the area covered by the Interior Health Authority.
Tracy Watson, an IHA communications officer, said it is being studied for implementation in its residential-care facilities throughout the region.
A similar move by the Fraser Health Authority to charge wheelchair-bound residents sparked outrage from Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington.
The independent member of the legislature said the $25 monthly fee will simply lead to seniors not leaving their beds.
The charge is for seniors using authority-owned wheelchairs and was implemented because maintenance costs for them can be high, she said.
Seniors who own their wheelchair are responsible for their maintenance and repair.
A statement issued by the ministry — now headed by Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake — said the user fee at Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities “is consistent with the provincial guidelines about what can and cannot be charged in residential care.”
The statement, sent by email, noted ministry policy changed in October 2012 to clarify “which services and supplies will be provided at no additional cost to seniors in residential care and which services may have a fee attached.”
The change is to ensure consistent and affordable care, the explanation noted, and says no one will be denied wheelchair access if they cannot afford the fee.
Residents on income or premium assistance will not be charged the fee.
Watson said the cost of wheelchair maintenance for the IHA is not available because the expense isn’t separated out from other rehabilitation-related costs.
She said IHA staff reviewing the possible fee introduction hope to have a recommendation by fall.