Alberta Health Services, through funds provided by the Government of Alberta, is responsible for funding hospice care – including both the care and accommodations. Care funding provides for nursing services, social work, and other care services. Accommodation funding provides for the resident room, meals, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, utilities, and other services such as TV, internet and phone.
Who Qualifies for Publicly Funded Care in Alberta?
To qualify for publicly funded care:
- you must be eligible for registration with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan;
- you must have lived in Alberta for three consecutive years at any time previously; or
- you must have lived in Alberta for one year immediately before applying; and
- you must have been a resident of Canada for 10 years or more.
Oxygen
Oxygen and oxygen equipment are provided to individuals in hospice by home oxygen companies. If you or your loved one have previously been using home oxygen, every effort will be made to continue with your same vendor. The hospice will notify the home oxygen company of your move.
Individuals are responsible for the cost of their oxygen and oxygen supplies while in hospice.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) may cover some or all of these costs. Please refer to “O2 funding process for adults” on the AADL website or speak to your health care provider for more details.
Pharmacy
For our resident’s safety and security, we are required to use a specific Pharmacy, Pharmacare, and your medications will be ordered and packaged at that pharmacy only. We can only administer medications that have come from our Pharmacy.
Individuals who are registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan are eligible for the Alberta Blue Cross Palliative Coverage Program. This program provides premium-free prescription medication coverage with no waiting period.
With the Palliative Coverage Program, individuals are responsible for 30% of the cost of drugs to a maximum of $25.00 per prescription. The lifetime maximum that the individual pays is $1000.
Items that are not covered by the Palliative Coverage program include infusion equipment/supplies, over the counter medications, diabetic supplies (excluding insulin), and pharmacy dispensing fees.
Other Services
Hospice does not provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or recreational therapy.
Individuals are responsible for costs and possible adverse effects of complementary care such as alternative medicines, acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy (always check with the hospice team before engaging in any of the above therapies).
Ambulance transportation costs may be the responsibility of the individual unless they are being transported from or to an acute care hospital.
Transfers
Hospice care is highly specialized. In some circumstances, an individual’s care needs change, and hospice is no longer the most appropriate care setting. In such situations, the individual will be reassessed for transfer to a more suitable location or program where they can access the right care for their needs. These transfers are usually to home or a care facility (e.g., Long-Term Care or Supported Living).
Financial Assistance, Benefits, and Pensions
Residents may be eligible to receive funds from government sources, including the Government of Canada and/or the Alberta Government. If you would like some assistance understanding the information on these programs, please contact the hospice social worker.
Government of Canada
The following Government of Canada’s benefit programs may apply to you:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D)
- Caregiving Benefits and Leave
- Old Age Security Pension
- Guaranteed Income Supplement Allowance
- Allowance for the Survivor
Contact the Government of Canada
Call 1-800-277-9914, or visit canada.ca and select “Benefits“ > “Public Pensions”
Veterans Affairs Canada offers reimbursement of costs to ensure qualifying Veterans receive a dignified funeral and burial as well as support to families of a deceased Canadian Armed Forces member or Veteran
Contact Veterans Affairs Canada
Call 1-866-522-2122, or visit veterans.gc.ca
Alberta Government
There are also several Alberta Government income support programs through Alberta Supports that may apply to you:
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
- Alberta Seniors Benefit Program
- Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- Alberta Palliative Care Health Benefits (Blue Cross)
- Alberta Compassionate Care Leave
Contact Alberta Support
Call 1-877-644-9992, or visit alberta.ca/alberta-supports
Other Resources
Several community programs offer assistance with equipment and finances which you or your family may qualify for:
- Alberta Cancer Foundation Patient Financial Assistance Program
- Canadian Cancer Society Financial Assistance
- Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program
- Give A Mile compassionate flight assistance program
Please contact the hospice social worker for information packages and application forms.
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