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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Support Services Reduced for Pediatric Long COVID Patients
The B.C. Centre for Long COVID, ME/CFS, & Fibromyalgia (BC-CLMF) has scaled back its services for children and youth affected by long COVID and other chronic illnesses following recent changes to the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP). These changes, which came into effect on November 1, have led to the discontinuation of group sessions with allied health specialists at the clinic.
Pediatric Patient Impact: Geo Roy's Experience
Fourteen-year-old Geo Roy, who lives on Protection Island near Nanaimo, B.C., is among the approximately 80 pediatric patients currently receiving treatment at BC-CLMF. After contracting a viral illness two years ago, suspected to be COVID-19, Geo was diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, including myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) and fibromyalgia. The clinic provided Geo with weekly, no-cost sessions with a physiotherapist, contributing to a significant improvement in their condition.
"Today I had a shower, which I haven't done in three days," Geo shared, describing the daily challenges faced due to their illness. Without access to allied health services from BC-CLMF, Geo and their family now face long wait times and out-of-pocket costs for essential therapy. Geo's mother, Robin Roy, explained that physiotherapy appointments are now booked months in advance and are no longer covered by MSP.
MSP Changes Prompt Clinic Service Reductions
The reduction in services stems from new rules imposed by the Medical Services Commission, which set a cap of 30 patients for telehealth group medical sessions—down from previously unlimited participation—and cut the fees paid to physicians for these sessions. Previously, BC-CLMF held sessions with up to 50 participants, using the surplus to fund its pediatric program, which began in February 2026.
Dr. Jane McKay, co-founder of BC-CLMF, stated that the clinic would continue offering one-on-one consultations and physician-led follow-ups but can no longer sustain drop-in sessions with allied specialists such as physiotherapists, dieticians, and psychologists. "In the last two weeks, we've had to inform all of the allied support that has worked with us that we no longer have work for them," McKay said.
Clinic and Ministry Dispute Over Service Viability
The Ministry of Health contends that the new rules had been developed over more than a year and that BC-CLMF was consulted about their viability, stating the clinic previously believed it could continue operating with the 30-person cap. However, McKay disputes this assertion, noting that the ministry did not mention the simultaneous reduction in patient fees. "As of Nov. 1, revenue from a group of 30 patients goes down by 22 percent. That is a huge shortfall that renders all prior planning moot," she said.
Ongoing Challenges in Accessing Appropriate Chronic Illness Care
The demand for long COVID care and related chronic illness treatment has grown since the pandemic. A 2025 longitudinal study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that instances of myalgic encephalomyelitis in the U.S. rose to fifteen times pre-pandemic levels. Geo Roy describes difficulties finding doctors with experience in post-viral conditions, saying, "I had a general practitioner who also let us go because I was too complex." Geo's mother expressed frustration with the compounded trauma of navigating the healthcare system for support.
Next Steps and Response from Political Leaders
The incoming B.C. government, not yet sworn in, has acknowledged concerns raised by BC-CLMF and its patients. A spokesperson for the B.C. Conservatives stated that the new minister of health would review the MSP changes and their consequences. "British Columbians deserve a health-care system that actually works for the people who need it," the statement read.
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Source: cbc.ca.
