Complaint
An individual needed to replace a wheelchair that they had obtained through the Yukon Pharmacare program.
The complainant stated that they had experienced challenges and delays in attempting to obtain a functional wheelchair and alleged unfair treatment by the Authority.
Investigation
We investigated the complainant’s request for a new wheelchair, including the Authority’s criteria for allocating wheelchairs through the Pharmacare program.
We found that the complainant may have been eligible for a new wheelchair through Pharmacare, but they had not applied. Health and Social Services had communicated the necessary steps and provided them with application forms.
Decision
Unsubstantiated. Because the complainant did not follow the application process to obtain a wheelchair, their eligibility could not be determined.
Application processes that assess eligibility for a program or service are not inherently unfair, unless they are unreasonably burdensome.
In this case, we did not find the Authority’s actions to be unfair, so we made no recommendations.
Recommendations
Not applicable.