The provincial government is making several changes to the Northern Ontario Travel Grant.

It provides reimbursement when travelling to access healthcare.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones was in Thunder Bay on Tuesday and says changes this fall will include higher amount for accommodations.

“This includes increasing the accommodation allowance from the current $100 to $175 per night,” Jones told a news conference at the Thunder Regional Health Science Center.

Jones adds that other costs will be increased as well, including mileage.

“We’re removing the 100 kilometer deductible so people can get re-imbursed for every kilometer traveled to offset higher gas prices.”

Jones says they will also introduce an online application form and eliminate the need for a doctor’s signature before a claim can be submitted.

In all, the province is increasing the amount spent each year on the Northern Health Travel Grant by $45 million.

(With files from Randy Thoms)