What’s Different about MEPP?
This table lists several key changes in the equipment procurement process through MEPP, compared to the pre-June 2019 process:
Why the Change? 
Historically, each health authority has individually created equipment rental programs and offered their own equipment options specific to their service areas. In 2016, the Health Authority leaders, contract leads and frontline clinical staff initiated a project to create a province wide program to establish a formalized and standardized Medical Equipment Provision Program (MEPP).
With the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) as the primary vendor, in addition to seven other vendors across BC, the new program will allow health authorities to address both short term and long term medical equipment needs of our clients in a timely manner and ensure equipment is not a barrier to remaining at home or leaving hospital. Note: that the MEPP program does not apply to long term-care facilities.
Tap to compare the changes in the MEPP process
Pre-June 2019
- Equipment was provided only through Canadian Red Cross.
- “HELP, HELP Plus, AIL, Palliative, Short Term Loan Program”
- Palliative clients on BCPB were not provided access to Basic equipment.
- Equipment provision was previously described as a “loan” program.
- Lack of standardized Health Authority processes in use.
- Health Authority equipment expenditures not visible
- Contained cost
New With MEPP
- Canadian Red Cross and alternate MEPP vendors will provide equipment.
- Short & Long term, Basic and Advanced equipment for all
- Palliative clients on BCPB can now access Basic MEPP equipment.
- Equipment provision through MEPP explicitly referred to as a “rental” program.
- Standardized Health Authority processes are now used.
- Health Authority equipment expenditures will now be visible
- Risk of cost overrun