Ontario Works |
Effective Date: July 1, 2009
|
Topic: Benefits/Mandatory Benefits
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Replaces: November 1, 2004 |
Subject: Diabetic Supplies
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Policy No. H.7A.2. |
POLICY
Authority OW Act: Sec. 8 and 74(4) & OW Directives: Dir. 7.2
The amount provided is equal to the cost of the item and may be added to the person's assistance, or paid to a vendor directly, at the Director of Integrated Social Services’ discretion.
The costs for diabetic and surgical supplies are covered when ordered under a Physician’s prescription and where the item is not otherwise covered from another source.
Diabetic supplies include:
- insulin pump and related supplies
- alcohol swabs
- blood glucose monitors
- lancets
- platforms
- syringes
- test strips
If a participant or other family benefit unit member requires diabetic supplies, the Case Manager will require verification from a physician before an item can be approved.
PROCEDURE
- Participant must obtain prior approval from the Case Manager by supplying verification from physician that surgical supplies are required and an estimate of the cost from the pharmacy.
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Case Manager reviews need and documents in Social Assistance Computer System notes the request and the cost.
- Diabetic supplies can be added to monthly budget. However this must be paid directly to the client.
- If the Case Manager is to pay the supplier directly, they must complete the requistion form for Mandatory/Discretionary Benefits as well as indicate that a Purchase Order is required.
- It is on this form that the Case Manager will list the item requested, why it is needed and also note their recommendation.
- The Case Manager will also copy this information into the Social Assistance Computer System notes.
- The Case Manager will forward the completed request for approval to the Supervisor. The supervisor will review the request and update Social Assistance Computer System notes accordingly.
- Once approved the request will be forwarded to the Integrated Program Assistant in Espanola.
- The Integrated Program Assistant will:
- Assign a P.O. number on the form and then mail it to the client.
- Keep a copy of the P.O. in a pending file.
- When the original P.O. is returned from the supplier with an invoice attached, the Integrated Program Assistant will:
- Match up the copy in the pending file, ensuring the client has not exceeded the maximum approved.
- Request the benefit / payment via the payment tab in Social Assistance Computer System. The payment will be requested in the Vendor’s name.
- Enter a notation in Social Assistance Computer System that the cheque was issued to ___ and for ___ in the amount of ________.
- The Supervisor will release the cheque via daily pay list reviews.
- When a cheque is produced, the Integrated Program Assistant will:
- Match the cheque with the P.O. Authorization Form ensuring it’s the same amount and that the cheque is issued directly to the vendor.
- Once verified, mail the cheque.
- File the originals in a completed binder.
Where NO P.O. is requested:
If the Case Manager is to pay the participant directly, the benefit / payment will be requested by the Case Manager. Case Manager will note in Social Assistance Computer System the details of the request.
Note: Insulin will never be included in diabetic supplies as it is provided for under the Ontario Drug Benefit card.