Travel and Accommodation Support for Cancer Patients Gets $18M Lift

• The New Zealand government has announced an $18 million increase in funding for the National Travel Assistance scheme, aiming to support cancer patients traveling for treatment.
• Adjustments include raising mileage rates from 28c to 34c per kilometre and accommodation support from $100 to $140 per night, marking the first rate increase since 2009.
• While the Cancer Society welcomes the boost, it questions the adequacy of the new rates and emphasizes the need for broader eligibility and upfront payment options.

The New Zealand government has recently boosted the National Travel Assistance scheme by $18 million to aid thousands of cancer patients needing to travel for treatment. This decision, praised by the Cancer Society, involves significant increases in reimbursement rates for travel and accommodation, the first of such increases since 2009.

Under the new scheme, patients will receive 34c for every kilometre travelled, up from 28c, and nightly accommodation support has been raised to $140 from $100. For those staying with friends or family, the rate is now $35 a night, up from $25.

However, the Cancer Society, led by chief executive Rachael Hart, has expressed concerns over whether these updated rates are sufficient to cover the actual costs faced by patients. Hart is calling for a clearer explanation on how these rates were determined and stresses the importance of ensuring no patient is left behind due to financial constraints.

Health Minister Shane Reti has expressed a desire to expand eligibility for the scheme and simplify the process for accessing funds. Hart also highlighted the critical need for timely support, pointing out the financial strain faced by patients who must wait for reimbursement.

Ronald McDonald House Charities’ chief executive, Wayne Howett, echoed the sentiment that while the funding increase is a positive step, more improvements are needed to ensure the scheme fully meets the needs of those it aims to help. Both charities are looking forward to being involved in discussions as the government implements these changes starting from April 1.