7A.2. Diabetic Supplies

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        

1. 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.

2. Case Manager reviews need and documents in Social Assistance Computer System notes the request and the cost. 

3. Diabetic supplies can be added to monthly budget. However this must be paid directly to the client.

4. 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.

1. It is on this form that the Case Manager will list the item requested, why it is needed and also note their recommendation.
2. The Case Manager will also copy this information into the Social Assistance Computer System notes.
3. 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.
4. Once approved the request will be forwarded to the Integrated Program Assistant in Espanola.

5. The Integrated Program Assistant will:

1. Assign a P.O. number on the form and then mail it to the client.
2. Keep a copy of the P.O. in a pending file. 

6. When the original P.O. is returned from the supplier with an invoice attached, the Integrated Program Assistant will: 

1. Match up the copy in the pending file, ensuring the client has not exceeded the maximum approved. 

2. Request the benefit / payment via the payment tab in Social Assistance Computer System. The payment will be requested in the Vendor’s name.

3. Enter a notation in Social Assistance Computer System that the cheque was issued to ___ and for ___ in the amount of ________.

4. The Supervisor will release the cheque via daily pay list reviews.

5. When a cheque is produced, the Integrated Program Assistant will:

1. 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.
2. Once verified, mail the cheque.
3. 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.