CMHA Ontario congratulates the government for changing a requirement of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) that was a challenge for many individuals with mental health and addictions issues.
The government has made improvements to the ODSP medical review process (read a story in the Toronto Star).
Previously, ODSP recipients were required to participate in a medical review process even if their condition hadn’t changed.
The change means that ODSP recipients will continue to receive benefits in situations where their medical condition has not improved.
As nearly half of all ODSP recipients live with a diagnosed mental illness, a significant number of individuals we serve will benefit from these changes.
The revised medical review policy is the outcome of a substantive consultation process with CMHA Ontario and partner agencies such as the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the ODSP Action Coalition and the Association of Ontario Health Centres.
The revised medical review process is just the latest change that the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) has made based on ongoing consultations.
With consultative input, MCSS has also previously updated the reimbursement rates for medical transportation costs for ODSP recipients.