---
# Cross-published from The Medfair Journal. Keep canonicalURL pointing
# at the original so search engines credit the right page.
title: "Quebec Assistive Device Funding Guide: Prosthetics, Orthotics, Hearing Aids and Wheelchairs"
description: "How RAMQ covers prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids and wheelchairs in Quebec, who qualifies, what is excluded, and which programs fill the gaps."
pubDate: 2026-10-12T15:45:32.181Z
subtitle: "What RAMQ pays for, what it leaves out, and how CNESST, SAAQ, social assistance and federal programs fit around it."
author: "Aalim Rattansi"
category: "Health Policy"
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canonicalURL: "https://medfair.ca/journal/how-quebec-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding"
originalSource: "The Medfair Journal"
---

*This article was first published on [The Medfair Journal](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-quebec-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding).*

A prosthetic leg, a knee brace, a pair of hearing aids or a wheelchair can decide whether someone gets back to work, school and everyday life. In Quebec, much of that equipment is funded by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), but not through a single program, and not every device a clinic dispenses is covered.

Quebec works differently from most provinces. Instead of paying a percentage of a device's retail price, RAMQ pays authorized rehabilitation facilities and laboratories the price set in its own tariff for each insured device. The details are in the conditions: where the device comes from, how long it is worn and when it can be replaced.

This guide covers the main public funding routes for Quebec residents, plus the programs for work injuries, car accidents, crime victims, First Nations, Inuit, veterans and refugees.

> **Current as of October 7, 2026.** Funding rules and amounts can change. Confirm eligibility and obtain approval before ordering a device.

## Key takeaways

- **RAMQ's Program for Devices That Compensate for a Physical Deficiency (Programme d'appareils suppléant à une déficience physique) is the main route** for orthoses, prostheses, walking aids and wheelchairs. You need a physical impairment, a valid health insurance card and a device that meets the program's conditions.
- **Where you go matters.** Orthoses, prostheses and walking aids come from an authorized public rehabilitation facility or private orthotics and prosthetics laboratory. Wheelchairs come from authorized public rehabilitation facilities only.
- **Hearing aids have their own RAMQ program.** Most adults need an average loss of at least 35 decibels in the better ear.
- **Several common items are outside RAMQ,** including foot orthotics, orthopedic shoes, adult rolling walkers and scooters. Separate Quebec programs, social assistance or other payers may help.
- **Another payer may come first.** CNESST pays for equipment needed because of an accepted work injury. SAAQ reimburses accident costs not already covered by another public plan.
- **Loss, theft and negligence are not covered.** RAMQ will not repair or replace devices in those situations.

## How does RAMQ cover prosthetics and orthotics in Quebec?

The [Program for Devices That Compensate for a Physical Deficiency](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/devices-compensate-a-physical-deficiency) covers the purchase, replacement and repair of orthoses, prostheses, walking aids, locomotor aids such as wheelchairs, posture aids and standing aids.

To qualify, you must have a physical impairment, hold a valid health insurance card and meet the conditions for the specific device. Under the program's [regulation](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-29,%20r.%204), RAMQ assumes the cost of an insured device at the price fixed in its tariff (*Tarif des appareils suppléant à une déficience motrice et des services afférents assurés*), and the facility or laboratory claims payment from RAMQ.

### Do you need a prescription?

Not always. RAMQ requires one only when:

- **Walking or locomotor aid:** no diagnosis confirming a permanent physical impairment is on file with the facility or laboratory.
- **Orthosis:** the prescribed period of use has expired, or a professional technologist in orthotics, prosthetics and orthopedic care provides the service.
- **Prosthesis:** no medical report or occupational therapy or physiotherapy intervention plan is on file, or a professional technologist provides the service.

RAMQ accepts prescriptions from medical specialists, general practitioners and specialized nurse practitioners. Powered wheelchairs needed because of severe cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory failure require a cardiologist, pneumologist, internist, or a specialized nurse practitioner in cardiology or pneumology.

> **Use an authorized provider.** Devices and services from facilities or laboratories that are not authorized for the program are not covered. RAMQ publishes lists of both.

## Which orthoses does RAMQ cover?

To remain covered, an orthosis must be worn daily, as prescribed, for at least 6 months (lower limb), 3 months (trunk) or 1 month (upper limb). People under 19 who need an orthosis to correct a deformity are exempt from the minimum period.

The regulation sets a 2-year minimum duration period for orthoses. Within it, replacement is covered only if a prescription certifies a significant change in physical condition, or a person under 19 has grown. Repairs are covered unless the estimate exceeds 80% of the purchase or previous replacement cost, in which case only replacement is covered.

RAMQ excludes plantar orthoses (foot orthotics), orthopedic shoes, fabric corsets, elastic stockings and orthoses worn only for sports.

### What about foot orthotics and orthopedic shoes?

Because RAMQ excludes them, other routes apply:

- **[Orthotic Shoes and Devices Program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/orthotic-shoes-and-devices-program)** (*Programme d'attribution de chaussures orthétiques et d'appareillage de chaussures*) for foot-ankle abnormalities causing a severe to very severe permanent inability to walk that only an orthotic shoe can compensate. Two pairs are provided at the first request, and children under 18 can have them replaced as their feet grow. A $75 deductible applies to custom-made shoes.
- **Social assistance special benefits** for plantar orthoses and custom shoes (see below).
- **CNESST** for an accepted work injury.

## How does RAMQ cover prosthetic limbs?

Insured prostheses replace all or part of a limb. Minimum duration periods run from final installation:

| Device | Minimum duration period |
|---|---|
| Lower-limb prosthesis | 5 years |
| Upper-limb prosthesis | 6 years |
| Prosthetic finger or partial hand | 1 year |
| Prosthetic glove (upper limb) | 6 months |

Within these periods, replacement requires a significant change in physical condition or, for a person under 19, growth.

For each limb fitted with a prosthesis, RAMQ covers, every 12 months, 6 socks (or 6 socks and 6 sheaths), 3 suspension liners with or without nylon lining, and 4 latex or elastic suspension liners.

RAMQ insures one device per specific limb function. An additional device is covered only when an evaluation shows it is required for recognized studies or work, so a second limb for sport is generally not covered.

### Other prosthetic funding

[The War Amps Child Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/child-amputees/) (CHAMP) pays the portion of everyday limbs, adjustments and repairs not covered by provincial or private plans for children under 18, and covers 100% of recreational limbs. [The War Amps Adult Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/adult-amputees/) helps enrolled amputees 18 and older after provincial and private or workplace coverage is used.

## How does RAMQ cover hearing aids?

RAMQ's [Hearing Devices Program](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/hearing-aids) (*Programme d'aides auditives*) covers the allocation, repair and replacement of hearing aids and assistive listening devices, such as telephone amplifiers and adapted alarm clocks.

| Who | Hearing-loss requirement |
|---|---|
| Age 11 and under | Impairment that could compromise speech and language development |
| Age 12 to 18 | Average loss of at least 25 dB in one ear |
| Students 19 and over | Average loss of at least 25 dB in one ear |
| Age 19 and over | Average loss of at least 35 dB in the better ear |
| Another impairment | Hearing impairment plus another impairment, such as deafblindness, that hampers integration |

A second hearing aid requires an audiologist's recommendation and applies only if you are 18 or under, have a visual impairment, or are 19 or over and need it for studies or work.

From age 12, you need an audiogram and an attestation that a hearing aid is necessary. At 65 and over, both must come from an audiologist. You must see an audioprosthetist within 1 year of the documents being issued.

Once you are registered, audioprosthetist fees for purchase, replacement and repair are covered, and a loaner is provided during repairs. Batteries are covered only at purchase or replacement. Cleaning, checks and replacement batteries are your responsibility.

RAMQ replaces a hearing aid if your condition changes and it becomes ineffective, you can no longer use the controls, it deteriorates early from vapours, dust or acidic perspiration, it is accidentally damaged, or a repair would exceed 70% of the initial cost in the first 6 years (60% from the 7th year).

> **If you don't meet the thresholds,** RAMQ will not pay. Ask for a written quote separating the device, professional fees, warranty and batteries.

## How do Quebec residents get a wheelchair through RAMQ?

Wheelchairs, positioning bases, orthomobiles and adapted strollers are locomotor aids, provided only through authorized public rehabilitation facilities, which RAMQ lists by region.

The [regulation](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-29,%20r.%204) limits manual wheelchairs to defined situations, including hemiplegia with a posture or balance disorder, paraplegia, certain quadriplegia, bilateral high-level amputations and permanent loss of lower-limb function. Powered wheelchairs are limited to quadriplegia at C3–C4, C4–C5 or C5–C6, permanent loss of function in both arms and at least one leg, or severe cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory insufficiency lasting more than 6 months that prevents independent use of a manual chair.

Key rules:

- **One device per person:** a wheelchair or a stroller. An additional non-powered device may be authorized in advance for recognized studies or work.
- **Replacement:** after the 5-year minimum duration period, if the chair no longer works under normal use. Earlier replacement requires a change in condition or, for a person under 19, growth the chair cannot be adjusted for.
- **Repairs:** covered unless the estimate exceeds 80% of the purchase cost. Return to an authorized facility, ideally the one that provided the chair.
- **Returns:** when you receive a new locomotor aid, you must return the previous one RAMQ paid for.

### Canes, crutches and walkers

RAMQ covers canes, crutches, walking frames and pediatric walkers only if you will use them daily for at least 1 year. For canes and crutches, it also replaces 1 set of ice tips and safety tips every 12 months.

Adult rolling walkers are excluded. Instead, the [Technical Walking Aid Program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/technical-walking-aid-program) (*Programme d'attribution des ambulateurs*) lends a walker with brakes and a seat to adults who cannot walk distances or have a severe respiratory or cardiovascular impairment. There are no fees or deductibles.

### Scooters

The [Mobility Scooter Program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/mobility-scooter-program) (*Programme d'attribution des triporteurs et des quadriporteurs*) lends a scooter, with no fees or deductibles, to people living at home who have a severe, persistent walking limitation (the program uses a 30-metre benchmark) or a severe respiratory or cardiovascular impairment. People who already have a government-provided mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, are not eligible.

For walkers, scooters and orthotic shoes, contact your CISSS or CIUSSS with a certificate from a physician or specialized nurse practitioner. Loaned walkers and scooters must be insured by the user and returned when no longer needed.

## Can social assistance help with what RAMQ does not cover?

People in the Social Assistance or Social Solidarity programs can receive special benefits under the [Individual and Family Assistance Regulation](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-13.1.1,%20r.%201) for prostheses, orthoses and accessories up to set maximums, insofar as RAMQ does not pay.

2026 maximums include $43 for an adjustable aluminum cane, $146 for forearm crutches, $125.50 for an adjustable walker and $731 for a wheelchair. Plantar orthoses are covered up to $254.50 a pair, replaceable once every 2 years unless a child outgrows them. Moulded custom shoes are covered up to $705.50 a pair, once every 12 months per adult, for the cost above $50.

Social assistance also pays $5 a month per hearing aid for replacement batteries when RAMQ covered the hearing aid. Talk to your social assistance agent before buying.

## Who pays after a work injury, car accident or crime?

### Work injuries: CNESST

Under [Quebec's workers' compensation law](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/A-3.001), a worker with an employment injury is entitled to the adapted equipment their condition requires. The CNESST bears the cost and nothing may be claimed from the worker. If the equipment is in a RAMQ program, the CNESST pays the program amount.

The [CNESST's adapted equipment policy](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/politique-5-06.pdf) covers hearing aids, trunk and limb prostheses and orthoses, plantar orthoses and orthopedic shoes. For accepted occupational deafness, a worker can be fitted without prior authorization with a RAMQ-program hearing aid, an aid costing up to $700 or a rechargeable aid up to $900 including the charger, renewable every 5 years. Keep invoices and prescriptions for [reimbursement claims](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/procedures-and-forms/workers/compensation-and-reimbursements/reimbursements-and-allowance/reimbursement-health-services-adapted-equipment).

### Car accidents: SAAQ

Under the [Automobile Insurance Act](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/A-25), SAAQ reimburses accident-related expenses, including prostheses and orthopedic devices, to the extent another public plan does not already cover them.

The [reimbursement regulation](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-25,%20r.%2014) requires prostheses and orthoses to be medically required because of the accident and prescribed by a physician, specialized nurse practitioner or optometrist. For limb and spinal devices, purchases over $500 need a tender, and SAAQ approval is required before purchase except for a fracture orthosis. Repairs are covered up to 80% of the initial price.

Wheelchairs need an occupational therapist's evaluation, usually two tenders and SAAQ authorization, with maximums from $3,500 for a manual wheelchair to $15,500 for a powered chair with a powered standing mechanism. For other [medical supplies and devices](https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/traffic-accident/public-automobile-insurance-plan/covered-how/medication-medical-supplies-reports/medical-supplies-devices) over $500, get your compensation officer's authorization first.

### Crime victims: IVAC

The [Act to assist persons who are victims of criminal offences](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/P-9.2.1) allows reimbursement of medically required expenses for a hearing aid, visual aid, communication device or device that compensates for a physical deficiency, including repair or replacement, on conditions set by regulation. Contact [IVAC](https://www.ivac.qc.ca/) before buying.

## Funding for specific populations

### First Nations and Inuit

The federal [Non-Insured Health Benefits program](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585320116553/1585320137871) covers audiology, limb and body orthotics, footwear, prosthetics and mobility equipment for registered First Nations people and recognized Inuit when items are not covered by private or provincial plans or social programs. Some items need prior approval.

In Quebec, [JBNQA beneficiaries living in Nunavik](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585310583552/1585310609830) are covered by the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services' Insured/Non-Insured Health Benefits program, and [James Bay Cree beneficiaries living in the land claims region](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1574187596083/1576511384063) receive benefits from their own health authority.

### Refugees and protected persons

The [Interim Federal Health Program](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html) covers 70% of eligible supplemental benefits, including prosthetics, mobility aids and hearing aids, through IFHP-registered providers. The patient pays 30%.

### Veterans

[Veterans Affairs Canada treatment benefits](https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/programs-choice) include aids for daily living such as wheelchairs and walking aids, hearing services, prosthetics and orthotics, and special equipment. Confirm authorization with VAC first.

## How to apply for assistive device funding in Quebec

1. **Identify the primary payer.** Check for a CNESST claim, SAAQ file, VAC benefits, NIHB or IFHP.
2. **Check your health insurance card.** RAMQ requires a valid card, and claims include its expiry date. You can [replace a lost, stolen or damaged card](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/replace-correct-card) online or by mail; a fee may apply.
3. **Gather documents.** You may need a prescription, medical report, intervention plan, audiogram or certificate.
4. **Use an authorized provider,** or your [CISSS or CIUSSS](https://www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/en/repertoire-ressources/votre-cisss-ciusss/) for walkers, scooters and orthotic shoes.
5. **Get a written breakdown** of what each payer covers and anything you would pay yourself.
6. **Keep records** of prescriptions, quotes, approvals and refusals. You can request a review of a RAMQ decision.
7. **Order only when funding is confirmed,** especially when SAAQ, CNESST or NIHB requires approval first.

**Run your clinic on Medfair.** [Sign up](https://medfair.ca/register) · [Schedule a Demo](https://medfair.ca/contact)

## Frequently asked questions about Quebec assistive device funding

### Are prosthetics covered in Canada?

Coverage depends on your province or territory. In Quebec, RAMQ covers insured prostheses from authorized facilities and laboratories at its tariff prices, for people with a physical impairment and a valid health insurance card.

### Does RAMQ cover hearing aids for adults?

Yes, if you meet the threshold. Adults 19 and over need an average loss of at least 35 decibels in the better ear; adult students need at least 25 decibels in one ear.

### Does RAMQ cover foot orthotics?

No. Plantar orthoses and orthopedic shoes are excluded. Options include the Orthotic Shoes and Devices Program, social assistance special benefits, CNESST for work injuries, or private insurance.

### What happens if my device is lost or stolen?

RAMQ does not repair or replace devices that are lost, stolen, damaged or used negligently, and the regulation can bar replacement for 2 years after the event. Check whether home insurance can help.

### Where can I get help with an application?

Start with the rehabilitation team at your CISSS or CIUSSS. Québec.ca also directs people to the [Office des personnes handicapées du Québec](https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/ministeres-et-organismes/office-personnes-handicapees/coordonnees).

## Coordinate funding before you order

Quebec offers broad public coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids and wheelchairs, but it is spread across RAMQ programs, regional loan programs, social assistance and compensation plans with different rules.

The safest approach is to confirm the primary payer, keep the health insurance card valid, use an authorized provider and get written confirmation of coverage before a device is fabricated or ordered.

For clinics, keeping the prescription, approvals, estimate and invoices for each payer connected makes this easier to follow. [Medfair](https://medfair.ca/features) keeps patient files, scheduling, claims and billing in one system.

Comparing provinces? Read our funding guides for [British Columbia](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-british-columbia-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Alberta](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-alberta-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Saskatchewan](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-saskatchewan-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Manitoba](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-manitoba-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding) and [Ontario](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-ontario-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding).

---

## Sources

- [RAMQ: Devices that compensate for a physical deficiency](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/devices-compensate-a-physical-deficiency)
- [RAMQ: Hearing aids](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/hearing-aids)
- [RAMQ: Replace or correct a Health Insurance Card](https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/replace-correct-card)
- [Regulation respecting devices which compensate for a physical deficiency (A-29, r. 4)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-29,%20r.%204)
- [Québec.ca: Assistive devices programs](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/assistive-devices-programs-for-persons-with-a-physical-or-intellectual-disability-or-an-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd)
- [Québec.ca: Orthotic shoes and devices program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/orthotic-shoes-and-devices-program)
- [Québec.ca: Technical Walking Aid Program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/technical-walking-aid-program)
- [Québec.ca: Mobility scooter program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/mobility-scooter-program)
- [Individual and Family Assistance Regulation (A-13.1.1, r. 1)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-13.1.1,%20r.%201)
- [Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases (A-3.001)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/A-3.001)
- [CNESST Policy 5.06: Adapted equipment and other costs](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/politique-5-06.pdf)
- [CNESST: Reimbursement of health services and adapted equipment](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/procedures-and-forms/workers/compensation-and-reimbursements/reimbursements-and-allowance/reimbursement-health-services-adapted-equipment)
- [Automobile Insurance Act (A-25)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/A-25)
- [Regulation respecting the reimbursement of certain expenses (A-25, r. 14)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-25,%20r.%2014)
- [SAAQ: Medical supplies and devices](https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/traffic-accident/public-automobile-insurance-plan/covered-how/medication-medical-supplies-reports/medical-supplies-devices)
- [Act to assist persons who are victims of criminal offences (P-9.2.1)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/P-9.2.1)
- [NIHB Medical Supplies and Equipment Guide and Benefit Lists](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585320116553/1585320137871)
- [NIHB: Inuit client eligibility](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585310583552/1585310609830)
- [NIHB: Who is eligible](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1574187596083/1576511384063)
- [Interim Federal Health Program coverage summary](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html)
- [Veterans Affairs Canada: Programs of Choice](https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/programs-choice)
- [The War Amps Child Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/child-amputees/)
- [The War Amps Adult Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/adult-amputees/)