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B.C. Reverses Cuts to Accommodation Aid for Families of Sick Children

Health Minister Josie Osborne has ordered a swift review to reinstate full accommodation coverage in the program.

Undated handout photograph of Marielena Flohr's children. Kamloops resident Flohr's eldest child, Lena-Marie Streek, left, and second youngest, Emmett Streek, second from right, have rare blood disorders that sometimes require medical treatment in Vancouver.
Then B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Josie Osborne, speaks during a news conference in Burnaby, B.C., on June 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Overview

  • The program had cut support from 30 days per hospital visit to 15 days per calendar year effective June 1.
  • Out-of-town parents and the B.C. Conservative opposition mounted a public backlash against the reduced coverage.
  • Premier David Eby said families should focus on their children’s care without worrying about Vancouver’s steep housing costs.
  • Osborne noted there was no cut to base funding but rising costs at charity Variety prompted the temporary limit.
  • The health ministry will work with the Provincial Health Services Authority and Variety to lift the restrictions and restore original benefits quickly.