Source: Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Pathways Magazine, Winter 2025.
Daytime Compression Garment Coverage Comparison by Province
Inclusion Coverage %
Qty per Year Details
Inclusion Coverage % Qty per Year
Details
BC
AB
SK
MB
ON
Post-mastectomy, lumpectomy Sleeves 100%, Glove/Gauntlet: Max $150 OTC, $300 custom --------------------------------------------2 garments, 2 gloves/gauntlets
Primary/Secondary LE 75% of benchmark price 100% for low income -------------------------------3 OTC or 2 custom
Primary/Secondary LE 100%
Primary/Secondary LE 100% low income only
-------------------------------4 garments per limb
--------------------------------
Primary/Secondary LE 75% of benchmark price 100% for low income -------------------------------6 garments per limb
Above eligibility based on income & annual PharmaCare limit
1 per limb may be replaced with inelastic
QC
NL
NS
NB
PE
Primary/Secondary LE 75% of benchmark price adults 100% low income, pediatric --------------------------------------------3 OTC per limb 3 OTC or custom for trunk 6 for children
Primary/Secondary LE 100% low income only
Primary/Secondary LE 100% low income only
Primary/Secondary LE 100% low income only
None
-------------------------------2 upon qualification, Incl. any OTC/custom
-------------------------------1 garment per year
-------------------------------2 OTC
-------------------------------N/A
Adjustable hook & loop 1 Accessories 1 per limb e.g. glue, donning aids
Eligibility by assessment Both adult and pediatric
2 sets every 2 yrs max
Custom/inelastic must meet specific criteria
Inelastic also covered, 2 per limb per year
Legend: OTC = “over-the-counter/off-the-shelf” pre-made standard sized garments. Custom = made-to-measure. Inelastic = hook & loop, adjustable wrap garments Benchmark = the published, pre-determined / approved pricing as set by the respective provincial funding entity Source: Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Pathways Magazine, Summer 2022.
Nighttime Compression Garment Coverage Comparison by Province
Inclusion Coverage % Qty per Year
BC
AB
SK
MB
ON
No None --------------------------------------------N/A – 0
No None -------------------------------N/A – 0
Clients w/Stage 2+ LE 100% -------------------------------1 garment per limb *every 2 years
No None -------------------------------N/A – 0
Yes 75% of benchmark* -------------------------------1*
Details
Inclusion Coverage % Qty per Year
Details
Night garment eligibility 1 per limb every 2 yrs
*Can replace 1 of the daytime garments only
QC
NL
NS
NB
PE
Primary/Secondary LE 75% of benchmark price adults 100% low income, pediatric --------------------------------------------1 per limb per year
Must Qualify 100% low income only
No None
Primary/Secondary LE 100% low income only
No None
-------------------------------2 upon qualification, Incl. any OTS/custom
-------------------------------N/A – 0
-------------------------------1*
-------------------------------N/A – 0
Can include trunk, head/neck garments if pre-approved
Eligibility by assessment Both adult and pediatric
*Can replace 1 of the daytime garments only
Legend: OTC = “over-the-counter/off-the-shelf” pre-made standard sized garments. Custom = made-to-measure. Inelastic = hook & loop, adjustable wrap garments Benchmark = the published, pre-determined / approved pricing as set by the respective provincial funding entity Source: Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Pathways Magazine, Summer 2022.
Multilayer Compression Bandaging Coverage Comparison by Province BC
AB
SK
MB
ON
Inclusion
N/A – No Coverage
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in hospital/public setting
Primary/Secondary LE 100%
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in homecare/public setting
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in homecare/public setting
Details
N/A
Cohesive, tubular grip, foam, stockinet, cleanser, moisturizer. 2 sets MLLB for clients who self-bandage
All MLLB supplies including fibrosis “spots” and scar pads, adhesives and donning aid accessories
Cohesive bandaging if applied by homecare
Variable, depends on current formulary inclusions in region
QC
NL
NS
NB
PE
Inclusion
Primary/Secondary LE 100%
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in hospital/public setting
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in homecare/public setting
Primary/Secondary LE Only for clients seen in hospital/public setting
N/A – No Coverage
Details
All components of 1 set of MLLB per affected limb
MLLB components if applied in hospital, may include wound care.
Cohesive bandaging if applied by homecare
MLLB components if applied in hospital
N/A
Legend: MLLB = multi-layer lymphedema bandaging. LE = lymphedema. Appropriate MLLB components typically include a tubular stockinette, padding such as foam or other, and rolled, short-stretch bandages. Scarring and fibrotic tissue may require the addition of special inserts and pads for breaking down this type of complicating tissue. Lotion is recommended.
Source: Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Pathways Magazine, Summer 2022.
Source Notes:
The funding inequities information excerpted in these slides was gathered on behalf of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework and was published in our magazine, Pathways, Summer 2022 issue. Read the full, original article here: tinyURL.com/2022-Funding-Inequities Prevalence information was published in the Winter 2025 issue of Pathways. Read online here: tinyURL.com/LE-prevalence
Source: Canadian Lymphedema Framework. Pathways Magazine