The Ministry of Social Development has made increases to orthotics funding for eligible clients.  Please refer to the link below,

http://www.gov.bc.ca/hsd/

On this site, you will find news release from July 25, 2011, on the increase in orthotics funding.

This was done in part by the support and hard work by Dr. Tammy Gracen and Dr. Dana Alumbaugh.  Dr. Gracen petitioned the government when funding was cut April 1, 2010.  The increase and subsequent restoration of funding is due in large part to her efforts and contact with the media.

Excerpt from Vancouver Sun Article below.

B.C. increases orthotics supplement

By GERRY BELLETT, Vancouver Sun July 25, 2011

The ministry of social development has increased its orthotics program for British Columbia’s income assistance recipients.

Social Development Minister Harry Bloy has announced that recipients will be eligible for $450 worth of custom-made foot orthotics — up from the previous limit of $375.

Recipients will also be eligible to receive new orthotics every three years instead of four years.

Bloy said the updated policy also funds a greater range of medically necessary foot orthotics and footwear such as:

• off-the-shelf foot orthotics with no cost limit and no time limit on when they will be replaced.

• up to $250 for off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear to be replaced once a year.

• up to $125 a pair for off-the-shelf footwear to be replaced once a year (only for clients who need the shoes to accommodate a custom-made orthotic or brace).