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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Mar 31, 2007 6:24:34 GMT -5
Wasn't quite sure where to put this.... This is great news for folks on oxygen in Nova Scotia; (this may be of interest to you Phil.) and it will be a great boost for the 1,000 plus folks on O2 here thus allowing many of them to get out and about more. I read in yesterdays Mail Star (for here in Nova Scotia) that the province will be adding portable oxygen tanks to its oxygen program. According to NS’s health minister Chris d’Entremont, “eligible people will be provided with up to 10 portable tanks of oxygen…” “The province will pay part, or all of the cost of the 10 tanks of portable oxygen each month, depending upon an individual’s need, income and family size” "The portable service will include an O2 concentrator, a regulator, nasal cannula, O2 tubing and a back up cylinder" People looking for additional info on the program can call 800-225-7225, weekdays 8:30 - 4:30 I'd be interested to know if the other provinces have portable tanks within their health programs. I guess I'm wondering if we're breaking ground or bringing upo the rear .
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Post by morningstar on Mar 31, 2007 7:10:34 GMT -5
Jackie,
What wonderful news. That will help so much. And I guess to me the old saying Better late than never would fit the timing.
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Post by Chris Wigley on Apr 8, 2007 23:33:06 GMT -5
Good to hear - just possibly related to the Calgary COPD Coalition conference in Nov last year. One of the things that really was stressed was that rehab/exercise is critical for COPDers and many people simply cannot do that without O2! Canadian Thoracic Society guidelines were likely to change soon. Apparently BC is changing from sustained below 85% SaO2 with exercise to qualify to below 89% - this would match US Medicare criteria - haven't seen it in print yet but supposedly coming out this month. (Note this doesn't change resting or sleeping criteria) The home oxygen program with Vancouver Island Health Authority does cover portable O2, but I am not sure whether anyone here knows what a conserver is!!! No means test but insurance has to cover the first 80% ( ) if available. I have no insurance so they cover all mine - I use a liquid O2 portable (my own - came with me when I returned from the US) with conserver and my own concentrator for night use. It would be really good if things are actually improving for those with COPD.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Apr 17, 2007 17:47:56 GMT -5
Chris....maybe we all need to help it along a bit.....the squeaky wheel gets the grease after all!!! It doesn't cost a penny to write to our PM or MP's (postage is free)... There's form letters folks can print off and use at www.copdcanada.ca/form_letters.htm , or write your own!
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