There has been alot of discussion lately regarding coverage of our low protein medical foods , and formula across Canada. Every province seems to be very different.  Despite our reputation for universal care in Canada, we are lacking in the treatment of PKU. Though British Columbia has a faling grade on the report card for access to treatments.  As i mentioned in my post about the seminar I attending this past weekend, Ontario is now providing coverage and aces to KUVAN and Saskatchewan is rumoured to be following next. 

Kuvan was approved my Health Canada in 2010 and is being used in many countries around the world and even some provinces here in Canada. The BC Children’s clinic is currently using it in the treatment of children in a study. Also there is the 106 study of its effects on depression , anxiety and cognitive functioning. 

in 2012 Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders put together a summery of the coverage in Canada. Nicole Pallone has graciously shared that list with me and it as follows: ( This list does not include KUVAN Or LNAA therapy. ) 

 

British Columbia :

Any formula recommended by clinic dietician is covered for anyone with valid Provincial
Health Care; shipping is covered for patients not located in Lower Mainland. No low
protein speciality food coverage. Product available from the Special Product Distribution
Center (located within BC Children’s hospital). $40 monthly stipend for low protein foods available to those on welfare.

 

Alberta:

Formula and variety of speciality foods are covered for anyone with valid Provincial
Health Care, shipping is not covered. Items are stocked within hospital. Cambrooke
Foods products are available to patients, orders placed through clinic and shipped to
door. Currently, “new” CBF items are not covered.

 

Saskatchewan:

Formula and approved foods are covered for ALL patients with valid Provincial Health
Care. Patients order formula directly from Speciality Food Shop and low protein foods
from National Food Distribution. Shipping is covered for all orders. Adult patients are
referred to AB or MB for follow-up care, although still receive formula and food from SK.

Manitoba :

Formula is covered to anyone with valid Provincial Health Care, shipping covered to
those not living in clinic area. Patients are responsible for ordering foods directly from
manufacturer or 3rd party; clinic does not stock/order foods. Allowance is provided by
Children’s Special Services for speciality foods. (up to $180/month for ages 1-12 years
and up to $250/month for ages 12-18 years) No allowance for adults (18+ years of age)

 

Quebec :

Formula and variety of speciality foods are covered for anyone with valid Provincial
Health Care; shipping is covered for those not able to pick up from CLSC clinics, located
throughout Quebec, orders are processed at time of patient request to National Foods.
A $1500 annual allowance to order Cambrooke Foods. Product is delivered to CLSCs and
patients are required to pick up same day.

 

Ontario:

Formula is covered for anyone with valid Provincial Health Care. Many low protein
products are covered (as approved by the Special Advisory Committee), and available
through the Speciality Food Shop, http://www.specialtyfoodshop.com. Speciality Food shop is
also available to non-Ontario patients with a metabolic disorder. Shipping is free within
Ontario – Out-of-Province & express shipping charges apply.

 

New Brunswick :

Formula and variety of speciality foods are covered for anyone with valid Provincial 

Health Care, shipping is covered. Speciality food coverage is limited to staple items only
(bread mixes, flour, pastas) and shipping is covered.

 

Nova Scotia:

Formula is covered for anyone with valid Provincial Health Care, local patients are
required to pick up and for out of area patients, shipping is covered. Staple items are
available (pasta, baking mixes, cracker toasts, rusks) Patients can order other products
from National Distribution through clinic, but are responsible for charges.

 

Newfoundland
and Labrador:

Formula is covered for anyone with valid Provincial Health Care up to age 18 years,
shipping is covered. Only 2 formulas have been approved for coverage (Phenylfree &
Phenylade). Staple items (pasta, bread mixes, pizza shells, Ener-G cheese) are available
to patients up to 18 years of age and shipping is covered.

 

Prince Edward
Island:

There are no PKU clinics in province, but patients are seen by regular dieticians and
family doctors; clinic visits in Nova Scotia. Formula is covered for anyone with valid
Provincial Health Care up to age 18 years. There is no specialty food coverage, patients
are able to order speciality foods from Nova Scotia clinic but are responsible for all
charges.

 

As you can see we had alot to do to obtain universal standards in Canada. It is my dream to see coverage for all treatments across Canada. So we are fighting. One province at a time.