Improvements have been announced that are aimed at helping low-income seniors travel from rural areas for treatment or care.

That includes help to cover costs, like transportation and accommodation, associated with travel for specialist medical appointments.

The support for overnight accommodation increases from $75 to $100 while the minimum travel distance is reduced from 100 kilometres round-trip to 80 to qualify for the benefit.

There's also a one-time benefit of $85 provided to help with medical transport costs for a resident moving from a long-term care facility to another care facility.

Changes go into effect July 1, 2017.