Equipment Funding & Health Benefits

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) 

•    Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) assists Albertan living with chronic conditions, long-term disability, and terminal illnesses in maintaining independence in their community
•    Albertans pay 25% of the benefit cost to a maximum of $500 per individual or family per year. Low-income Albertans and those receiving income assistance are exempt from paying the cost-sharing portion.
Program Manual: http://www.health.alberta.ca/services/AADL-program-manual.html 
•    The AADL Manual includes information on eligibility, cost-share exemption, quantity and frequency review requests and vendor, authorizer and specialty supplier roles and responsibilities.
Forms and Documents: http://www.health.alberta.ca/services/AADL-forms-docs.html 
Eligibility:
•    You must be an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card
•    You must require assistance because of a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness
* long-term and chronic are defined as being 6 months or longer.
•    You may not be eligible for AADL benefits if you are eligible to receive comparable benefits from another source 

Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC)

•    Veteran Affairs Canada offers services for financial support, health and well-being, mental health, and treatment for eligible veterans
•    Veterans Affairs Canada offers financial assistance to eligible clients who need to purchase assistive devices. Your access to these benefits depends on your eligibility status and your specific health needs
Benefits Navigator: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/resources/benefits 
•    Learn more about your benefits and eligibility 
Benefits and Services: Program of Choice Guidelines: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/health/treatment-benefits/poc 
•    Outlines coverage for aids to daily living, medical supplies, prosthesis and orthosis, and special equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility aids.   

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)

•    The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a national program that provides coverage to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for a specified range of medically necessary items and services that are not covered by other plans and programs.
Medical Supplies and Equipment Benefit Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/non-insured-health-benefits/health-provider-information/medical-supplies-equipment-information/benefits-criteria/medical-supplies-equipment-general-benefits-criteria-health-provider-information-non-insured-health-benefits-first-nations-inuit-health-canada.html 
•    Some items require request for equipment submitted by an authorized service provider and approval by NIHB prior to equipment dispersal by vendor.
Full list of products covered by NIHB: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/non-insured-health-benefits/health-provider-information/medical-supplies-equipment-information/benefits-criteria.html  
•    a full list of eligible products, prior approval requirements and frequency limitations 

Easter Seals Alberta Equipment and Support Services

Website: http://easterseals.ab.ca/Site/OurPrograms/EquipmentAndSupportServices.aspx 
•    The Equipment and Support Services (ESS) provide specialized equipment and power mobility to help people remain independent and remain active in their communities
Eligibility:
•    Eligibility is based on financial need, full equipment grants, cost share, and which interest free loans are available 
•    Offered to Albertans with disabilities and special needs
•    Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist assessment must be included in application 
Application: http://easterseals.ab.ca/Site/OurPrograms/EquipmentAndSupportServices/HowToApply.aspx 
Criteria for Funding: 
•    Physical need for the equipment. Provide supporting documentation such as: 
o    a doctor’s prescription
o    a physical or occupational therapist assessment
o    a letter of support from another appropriate professional.
•    Financial need for assistance. Each applicant must complete the financial section on our application. Due to the numerous requests we receive and the ongoing shortage of available funding, priority must be given to those with the greatest need.

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