Overview

The Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMD) Program, through the Ministry of Health, covers the full cost of certain outpatient drugs, supplements and specialty foods used in the treatment of specific inherited metabolic disorders.

What is covered

The Inherited Metabolic Diseases Program will cover the full cost of some treatments, such as:

  • drugs (for example, L-carnitine)
  • supplements (for example, vitamins, antioxidants)
  • low-protein foods (for example, pasta, buns)
  • modified L-amino acid mixtures or medical foods (for example, essential amino acid mix)
  • infant formula (for example, Nutramigen A+)
  • nutritional products (for example, Boost, Ensure) used in enteral, or tube feeding

Only the metabolic disorders and funded products as listed in the List of Disorders, Covered Drugs, Supplements and Specialty Foods are covered by the IMD Program. Decisions about what products are funded are made by the Executive Officer of Ontario Public Drug Programs based on expert advice provided by an advisory committee. For more information on metabolic conditions, visit the ministry's website on Newborn Screening.

To ensure that appropriate treatments are being provided to IMD Program patients, special treatment facilities have been designated to distribute the funded products.

How to qualify

To qualify for the Inherited Metabolic Diseases Program, you must:

  • live in Ontario
  • have a valid Ontario health card
  • be diagnosed with one of the disorders that the program covers (for example, cobalamin (B12) defect, biopterin deficiency, mitochondrial myopathy)
  • be under the care of a doctor for a designated treatment

You do not qualify if you already receive coverage for these drugs, supplements or products through private insurance or employee benefits.

How to apply

Your doctor must fill out and submit the application form for you.

Once approved, you will be registered in the Inherited Metabolic Disease Program.

Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) and Replagal (agalsidase alfa) for the treatment of Fabry Disease

To apply for treatment funding, an assessment or renewal form must be completed and submitted to the CFDI.

For more information, please contact:

Canadian Fabry Disease Initiative (CFDI)
Shanas Mohamed
Ontario Coordinator for CFDI
Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street, MC 5-420 A
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8

Tel: 416-603-5800 ext. 5534
Fax: 416-603-5112
E-mail: shanas.mohamed@uhn.ca

Aldurazyme (laronidase) for the treatment of Hurler and Hurler-Scheie forms of Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I):

Patients must meet the funding criteria as outlined in the reimbursement guidelines and complete the request form: