Financial Support
- Drug Coverage
Oncology Medication Reimbursement Specialists
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 905-472-7373 ext. 2020
Fax: 905-472-7382
Email: drugreimbursement@oakvalleyhealth.ca
Medication reimbursement specialists:
Catrina Taylor and Carrie Milne
How we can help you
Our Medication Reimbursement Specialists are dedicated to helping oncology patients with drug coverage, funding and reimbursement. They work collaboratively with patients and their health care team to maximize coverage and reduce the financial burden related to the cost of medication required for treatment.
We specialize in oncology medication reimbursement and provide services that include:
- Reviewing of reimbursement for patients requiring oncology and supportive care medications
- Submission of all applications to access medication coverage and assistance
- Working directly with external partners, maximizing reimbursement and reducing copayments
- Serving as the centralized point of contact for health care professionals and pharmacies to assist with patient medication coverage
- Resolving reimbursement issues, avoiding treatment delays
- Financial Support and Income Assistance
Undergoing cancer treatment can be financially stressful. Below are Income assistance and government insurance programs you could access.
- Ontario Works www.york.ca/support/ontario-works
- Ontario Disability Support Program https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program
- Wellspring Money Matters Program
- Employment Insurance (EI) Sick Leave Benefits www.canada.ca/en/services/beenfits/ei/ei-sickness.html
- Employment Insurance (EI) Family Caregiver Benefits
www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiveing.html
- Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care Benefits
www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caergiving.html
- Canada Pension Disability Benefits www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-dsiability-benefit.html
- CURE Foundation for Breast Cancer
- Cancer and Work Canada – www.cancerandwork.ca
- Travel Insurance
- Medi Quote https://www.mediquote.ca/
Nutrition and Diet Cancer Resources
Document link
Transportation
- Wheels of Hope – Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Drivers
*Referrals are submitted through the Oncology Social Worker. Please request a referral if in need through your Oncologist or Clinic nurse.
*This services depends on volunteer drivers and will state they can offer up to three days a week of rides-it is advisable to have a back up plan if they are not available
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada
Travel subsidy for newly diagnosed blood cancer patients
One Km. at a Time travel subsidy, available to anyone who has been diagnosed with a blood cancer within the last 60 days or facing a stem cell transplant as their treatment option.
- Carefirst for Seniors
A well established community agency that provides a multitude of programs and supports for Seniors-there is a nominal fee for service
- CHATS for Senior’s
CHATS is a not-for-profit organization, advocating for and delivering high-quality, person-centred home and community services to older adults and caregivers living in York Region and South Simcoe.
https://chats.on.ca/transportation-services/
- York Region Transit
- Mobility On-Request Paratransit
Mobility On-Request Paratransit is York Region’s door-to-door, shared ride, accessible public transit service for people with disabilities. To use this service, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Visit our Registration and Eligibility page to learn more. - Mobility On-Request
This is YRT’s on-request transit service. It is a ride-sharing service that allows you to request transit when and where you need, within select service areas. No application process is required. Visit our Service Areas page to learn more.
- Community Care Durham – Durham Region
Community Care Durham (CCD) is a multi-service registered charitable organization providing a broad range of support services for individuals over the age of 16 and their hearth so that people are enabled to maximize their independence and thrive where they choose to live.
- Taxi Companies- Markham
- Markham Taxi 905-470-2794
- Markham A & A Taxi 905-471-4800
- Crown Taxi 416-240-0000
- Stretcher services
- AMBUTRANS 416-496-2444
- NEW TRANSPORTATION 416-300-4360
www.newtransportationinc.com
- NUPT – Non Urgent Ambulance Service 647-649-8264
- RNR Patient Transfer Services 705-327-0070, 1-866-567-1001
- TOP MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION 416-716-6167
www.topmedicaltransportation.com
- VOYAGO-Voyageur Medical Transportation
519-455-4579, TOLL FREE- 1-855-263-7163
- MED RUNNER Patient transport
416-474-7131
www.medrunner.ca
Non stretcher services
- DIRECT PATIENT SERVICE INCORPORATED | Medical Transportation 905-889-5999
- Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
A-Quality Mobility Inc.
Web: www.aqualitymobility.com
Tel (GTA): (416) 955-0564
Tel (York Region): (905) 889-5550
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Areas served: Toronto, York Region
Beck Taxi
Web: www.becktaxi.com
Toll-free: (416) 751-5555
City Taxi
Web: www.citytaxitoronto.com
Tel: (416) 740-2222
Areas served: Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Vaughan and the GTA
Dignity Transportation Inc.
Web: www.dignitytransportation.com
Tel: (416) 398-2109 / Toll-free: 1 (866) 398-2109
Areas served: Toronto, GTA, York, Peel and Durham Regions, Southern Ontario
GTA Accessible Transportation Inc.
Web: www.gtaaccessible.com
Tel: (416) 834-5559 / Toll-free: 1 (800) 936-3040
Areas served: Throughout Ontario.
Helpful Hands Inc.
Web: www.helpfulhands.com
Tel: (416) 785-3778
Areas served: GTA
Royal Taxi
Web: www.royaltaxi.ca
Tel: (416) 955-0564 / Tel: (416) 777-0333
Areas served: Toronto
SAVE Wheelchair Trans
Tel: (647) 239-5467
Areas served: GTA and surrounding regions (including Barrie, Kitchener and Niagara Falls)
Scarborough City Cab
Web: www.scarborocitycab.com
Tel: (416) 438-5151
Areas served: Toronto and surrounding areas.
Wheelchair Accessible Transit
Web: www.wheelchairtransit.com
Tel: (416) 884-9898 / (416) 209-0950
Toll-free: 1 (877) 225-2212
Areas served: Toronto, Halton Region, Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region, Southern Ontario.
Wheelchair Taxi
Web: www.wheelchairtaxi.ca
Tel: (416) 766-9922 / (416) 834-5559
Areas served: GTA and Southern Ontario
Psychosocial Support
- Cancer Wellness Centres
These are not for profit and have no fees
- Evergreen
- Wellspring
Wellspring Cancer Support Network
1 877 499 9904
- Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
- Hope House
- Healthy Living Now
- Support for Specific Cancers:
BrainBrain Tumour Support Groups
Prostate Prostate Cancer Support Groups
Colorectal Colorectal Cancer Canada
LeukemiaLeukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada
Mesothelioma Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation
Multiple MyelomaMultiple Myeloma Support Group Toronto
PancreaticPancreatic Cancer Canada
SarcomaSarcoma Cancer Foundation Canada
TesticularTesticular Cancer Canada
Myeloma- www.myelomacanada.ca/
- Caregiver Supports
- Ontario Caregiver Organization
- Supports for Children and Youth-Talking to your children when a parent has cancer
24 Cecil Street, Toronto, Ontario (a roughly 10 minute walk from Princess Margaret)
416 214 9898
Outside of Toronto, please call 1 800 445 3248 (1 800 GILDA 4 U)
- Wonders and Worries
- Kids Cope
- Breast Cancer Support
- Canadian Breast Cancer Network
- Chinese Canadian Breast Cancer Support Group
Jenny Pu 416-856-0988 ccbcsgtoronto@gmail.com
- Young Adult Cancer Canada
- Rethink Breast Cancer
- CURE Foundation for Breast Cancer
- after Breast Cancer
- LGBTQ2SQ+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit and Queer (LGBT2sQ+) health
- Canadian Virtual Hospice
Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ resources
- Cancer’s Margins
- Querring Cancer
- Rainbow Health Ontario
rainbowhealthontario.ca
- Sherbourne Health
sherbourne.on.ca/primary-family-health-care/
lgbt-health
- 2 Spirits
2spirits.com
- The Will Munro Fund for Queer and Trans
People Living with Cancer
the519.org/programs/will-munro-fund
- Young Adult Cancer supports
Age 40 and under is considered a young adult in the healthcare system
- Young Adult Cancer Canada
Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC)
- Gilda’s Club
20s/30s Support Group (Gilda’s Club Toronto)
- Canadian Breast Cancer Network
Never Too Young: Psychosocial Information and Support for Young Women with Breast Cancer Care
- Mental Health Community Crisis Services/Emotional Support Services
If you need to speak to someone over the phone regarding a mental health issue in your life, you can call one of these numbers:
York Support Services Crisis Line:
- Phone – 1-855-310-COPE (2673). Available 24/7.
- Online Chat – Available 7 a.m. – midnight.
- Text option – 1-855-310-2673. Available 7 a.m. – midnight.
- Distress Centres of Greater Toronto:
- Phone – 416-408-4357. Available 24/7.
- Text option – 45645. Available from 4 p.m. to midnight.
- Talk Suicide Prevention:
- Phone – 1-833-456-4566. Available 24/7.
- Text option – 45645. Available from 4 p.m. to midnight.
If you require urgent or emergency care, call 911.
- 9-8-8
- Psychotherapy and Counseling Supports
- TeleCBT
This program can offer OHIP covered Psychotherapy on a number of mental health concerns by OHIP funded Family Doctors (GP’s). Referral is needed from your Oncologist.
- Women’s Wellness Group Supports at Oak Valley Health
https://www.oakvalleyhealth.ca/clinics-departments/mental-health/womens-wellness-services/ -funded programs at no cost to patients of Oak Valley Health. You can self refer and can only sign up for one group at a time.
- Family Services York Region – Look for the number highlighted in yellow. Fee for service.
Services in Other Languages
Français / Centre francophone:
416-922-2672
Chinese: 905-477-5741
Tamil: 647-243-9625
Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi: 647-243-9190
Farsi: 647-243-9646
Spanish: 647-243-9668
- Hong Fook 康福
- Returning to Work
Wellspring Return to Work program
- Apps
- The Mindfulness App
- Headspace
- Calm
- Sattva
- Stop, Breathe & Think
- Insight Timer
- 10% Happier
- Breethe
- Omvana
- Simple Habit
- Meditation and Relaxation Pro
Sexuality and Body Image
- Finding Sex Therapy and Counselling Supports
- BESTCO: Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy & Counselling in Ontario (sex therapist directory)
- Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapists or call 416-907-4620
- Psychology Today (Canada)
- Look Good Feel Better Program
This program has a 30 year history and has expanded their free workshops to support the many physical changes that occur during cancer treatment:
Men’s Skincare and Cosmetics; Women’s Skincare and Cosmetics; Hair Alternatives; Breast and Prostheses Workshops and their FAQ page.
- Pink Pearl Canada
- Breast Prosthesis, Mastectomy Bras, Wigs
Pink Ribbon Boutique https://pinkribbonboutique.ca/
H & P Breastcare Services ( Brochure in Chinese and English) www.hpbreastcare.com/index.html
Resources
- In Home Help
- OHIP covered Home and Community Care (HCC) (Government Home Care Services –https://healthcareathome.ca/region/central
*please ask your Oncologist or nurse for referrals for in home services for nursing and Personal Support Worker (PSW) care
Fee for Service
- CHATS for Seniors https://chats.on.ca/in-home-services/
- Carefirst for Seniors https://carefirstontario.ca/services/home-care/
https://carefirstontario.ca/services/home-care/?lang=zh-hant (Chinese)
- NanKind –This agency has no fees and provides practical supports to parents going through a cancer diagnosis with young children
https://nankind.com/for-families/where-we-serve https://nankind.com/about-us/our-mission/
- Cleaning for a Reason
Provides two free home cleanings for patients battling cancer. Amongst the cleaning companies who volunteer their time, there are five in Ontario.
- Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common side of many, but not all, chemotherapy drugs. The drugs affect cells that are growing quickly. Hair within a few days or weeks after chemotherapy starts and usually grows back once you finish chemotherapy.
- Look Good Feel Better (insert hyperlink: https://lgfb.ca/en/)
A variety of in-person and online workshops, as well as resources for cancer support.
- Hair Loss (Insert hyperlink: https://lgfb.ca/en/resources/hair-alternatives/)
Losing your hair may feel difficult and challenging.
Look Good Feel Better provides hair alternative solutions to meet this challenge.
- Hair Care (insert same hyperlink)
Thinning hair
If you notice your hair thinning:
- Avoid hair sprays or alcohol based hair products
- Avoid coloring your hair
- Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner
- Consider cutting your hair shorter than you usually would (this helps the hair look thicker and does not put stress on the already weak hair follicles
- Sleep using a satin pillow case
(adapated from Look Good Feel Better)
- Hair Alternatives
(image adapted from verywell.com)
Wigs (insert hyperlink/resources)
It is best to look for a wig prior to starting treatments so your hair alternative specialist will be able to match your present hairstyle, colour and texture as close as possible.
Baxters Wigs https://baxterswigs.com/
Gabi’s Wig Boutique (insert hyperlink: https://gabiswigs.com/)
Taylor’d Hair Care (Insert hyperlink: https://taylordhaircare.ca/)
Wig Sister www.wigsister.ca
Baxter’s Wigs https://baxterswigs.com/
Blossom Wigs www.blossomwigs.com
- Scarves (Insert hyperlink: https://lgfb.ca/en/resources/hair-alternatives/#scarves)
(images adapted from Look Good Feel Better)
- Cold Capping
https://paxmanscalpcooling.com./ca/distributors/canada/ https://www.penguincoldcaps.ca/
- Chemotherapy and Hair Loss-University Health Network
*This is a Princess Margaret resource and is included for information on Cold Capping and is meant to be educational. Oak Valley Health does not have a rental program available at this time.
- Cancer.ca- https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/wig-and-breast-prosthesis-service
- Lymphedema
- Lymphedema Association of Ontario
- The Markham Lymphatic Center
- Lodging
Hilton Hotels in Markham offering %15 discount to patients and families
www.markhamhamptoninnandsuites.com
www.markham.homewoodsuites.com
- Meal Programs
Meals on Wheels
Heart to Home Meals
Breast Cancer Support Fund
- Smoking Cessation
Get help to quit smoking | Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society offers information and tools to help you quit.
Please see available programs in your area.
Smoker’s Helpline
Free, confidential and flexible. Bilingual and interpreter services in over 100 languages.
Open 7 days a week.
- Cognitive Problems
Cognitive problems | Canadian Cancer Society
Cognitive function refers to the abilities for speaking, thinking, your awareness, decisions, learning, attention, memory, organizing or problem solving.
Problems with your cognitive function can affect your emotional well being and quality of life.
You may have problems at work, school or with daily activities.
Cancer or its treatment can affect cognitive function.
- Chemo Brain/Chemo Fog
Chemotherapy may cause problems with the ability to pay attention, to remember or to problem solve. High doses of chemotherapy and/or chemotherapy given for a long time are more likely to cause cognitive problems.
Cognitive problems caused by cancer or its treatment may go away after treatment is finished or continue for a long time or become permanent.
There are many strategies and tools to cope with chemo brain and chemo fog such as recording your symptoms identify if your memory is worse when you are tired or hungry, use a calendar to organize to keep track of records, appointments, activities, etc.
Taking care of yourself with physical activity that can help you stay mentally alert, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, practice yoga or meditation to help you relax and think clearer.
Also, speak with your caregivers and health care providers regarding how you are feeling.
For more details, please visit (hyperlink: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/cognitive-problems).