The Telegram: New pilot program between NL government and Hope Air will help get patients to hospitals
New pilot program announced between NL government and Hope Air Photo by www.goosebayairport.com /www.goosebayairport.com
The provincial government is entering into a new pilot program with the national charity Hope Air
Minister of Labrador Affairs Lisa Dempster announced Tuesday, July 8, at the Goose Bay Airport in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that the provincial government is entering into a new pilot program with the national charity Hope Air.
In collaboration with the Medical Transportation Assistance Program managed by the department of Labrador Affairs, Hope Air will coordinate airline services, accommodations, meals and arrival airport ground transportation for low to moderate-income individuals and families, according to a news release.
The program will provide upfront support for patients who are required to travel long distances to reach specialized insured medical services.
“The services will be provided to residents at no cost, subject to Hope Air eligibility requirements,” the release stated. “Hope Air coordinates all medical travel logistics on behalf of patients including booking airline, hotel and other services, and all changes that may be required during a patient’s medical travel journey.”
The pilot program is effective immediately through March 31, 2026. Patients with an annual household income of up to $60,000 per year and are travelling for eligible specialized insured medical services, as recognized by the province, may qualify for Hope Air travel support.
For patients who meet these eligibility criteria, funding assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis to Hope Air through the Medical Transportation Assistance Program.
For patients whose annual household income exceeds $60,000, they may be eligible for financial assistance through the existing Medical Transportation Assistance Program or Hope Air, subject to respective eligibility requirements.
“This support is in addition to the increase of the mileage assistance rate for the Medical Transportation Assistance Program that was announced in Budget 2025, which further benefits Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who need to leave home for important medical services,” the release stated. “It also helps to improve the overall well-being of residents and their communities.”
In collaboration with the Medical Transportation Assistance Program managed by the department of Labrador Affairs, Hope Air will coordinate airline services, accommodations, meals and arrival airport ground transportation for low to moderate-income individuals and families, according to a news release.
The program will provide upfront support for patients who are required to travel long distances to reach specialized insured medical services.
“The services will be provided to residents at no cost, subject to Hope Air eligibility requirements,” the release stated. “Hope Air coordinates all medical travel logistics on behalf of patients including booking airline, hotel and other services, and all changes that may be required during a patient’s medical travel journey.”
The pilot program is effective immediately through March 31, 2026. Patients with an annual household income of up to $60,000 per year and are travelling for eligible specialized insured medical services, as recognized by the province, may qualify for Hope Air travel support.
For patients who meet these eligibility criteria, funding assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis to Hope Air through the Medical Transportation Assistance Program.
For patients whose annual household income exceeds $60,000, they may be eligible for financial assistance through the existing Medical Transportation Assistance Program or Hope Air, subject to respective eligibility requirements.
“This support is in addition to the increase of the mileage assistance rate for the Medical Transportation Assistance Program that was announced in Budget 2025, which further benefits Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who need to leave home for important medical services,” the release stated. “It also helps to improve the overall well-being of residents and their communities.”