Matthews said some people have suggested the government buy in bulk, but she also wants consumers to have choices and to be able to buy from vendors in their communities who can also provide convenient servicing if needed.
There’s value added in having a vendor close by, she said.
“We clearly want best value for money. We also want people to be able to have local access to buy from vendors close to them.”
Matthews said the ministry will be looking more deeply into the issues raised by the auditor because it is also concerned about the potential for abuse through conflict of interest.
The ministry is very aware of these issues and closely looks at billing patterns to identify problems, she said.
The ministry has submitted 21 assistive devices files to the OPP that cover about $2 million in claims. Eleven of the 21 claims have concluded and the government has recouped some of the money. Four vendor locations have closed and four cases are before the courts.
Bob Laidlaw, spokesman for the Canadian Assistive Devices Association, a trade group that represent many — but not all — of the manufacturers in the industry, said CADA works very closely with the ADP and its members follow all of its rules and regulations.
“We’re a partner with the assistive devices program,” Laidlaw said. “We have such a co-operative relationship with them that we would work with them to resolve any issues they have.”
Keywords: costs, wheelchair, healthcare
