Important information on the RAMQ reimbursement update

The Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec has recently published an update of the amounts granted under the Lymphedema Compression Garment Program.
The correction for the lower limbs is NOT part of the latest update of the amounts granted. These amounts have been adjusted based on the program’s annual indexation only. The lower limb adjustment is expected to be effective later in 2022.

As published in the September 2021 newsletter L’info AQL, the RAMQ has submitted the revised amounts for reimbursement of lower limb compression garments for consultation purposes. Once the maximum amounts submitted have received all government levels of approval, reimbursement will be 75% of the average cost of lower limb compression garments.

A refund directly to the patient for overpayments, retroactive to August 2018 is also planned. The next steps are the assent of the MSSS’s legal department, approval by the RAMQ’s Director General, approval by the Minister of Health and Social Services and, finally, submission to the Treasury Board. The whole process should be completed by 2022.

Until then, patients do not have to compromise on the quality of the compression garments for their legs and the regularity of renewals, as they are guaranteed retroactive reimbursement – when the program will be approved by Treasury Board in 2022.

Until Treasury Board approval is received, it is only normal that this adjustment to the amounts not be granted and that RAMQ agents respond that they are not aware of this correction to the program. The most recent adjustment of the amounts corresponds solely to the annual indexation.

We will keep you informed of the progress of this correction over the next few months. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Anne-Marie Joncas
President