Medical Expenses

The following special needs medical expenses may be considered:

Primary Medical Expenses

• Celiac - an additional grocery amount may be considered with a note from a doctor confirming that a senior has celiac disease.
• Diabetic supplies - report how you control your diabetes (diet, oral medications, or injection) and how many times you test your blood. You must apply to the Alberta Monitoring for Health program first. Maximums are applied.
• Hearing aids - a maximum of $1,200 will be considered for each hearing aid, once every five years. The amount covered by the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program, or an equivalent amount if an authorized dealer is not used, will be deducted. Provide an estimate or receipt stating the amount covered by the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program.
• Medication assistance fee in lodges/designated assisted living facilities - need documentation from the facility stating the monthly fee and the effective date. Maximum $70 per month.
• Nutritional Beverage - provide a doctor's note prescribing the nutritional supplement and stating how many cans are needed on a daily basis and the period of time. You may be asked to submit your receipts after three months of use. Funding may be adjusted based on your level of use.
• Personal response service (e.g. Lifecall, Lifeline, Good Samaritan TeleCare). Estimate or receipt needed for installation and/or monthly monitoring.
• Prescription medications - assistance is provided for a portion of the co-payment amount for prescription medications only (over the counter medications are not funded). Funding is only provided for the amount you pay above $45 per month ($90 if a couple). Benefits are provided for the current year only. Your previous 12-month prescription printout from your pharmacist is needed to determine your anticipated prescription costs during this benefit year.
• Podiatrist - a maximum of $25 per month is considered for regular maintenance (nail trimming and callous removal). Receipts must be provided.

Secondary Medical Expenses

• Ambulance - funding provided for only the amount above Blue Cross coverage.
• Laundry - seniors living in a lodge, designated assisted living or long-term care facility may receive assistance with laundry costs. A senior is funded $40 per month. Receipts are needed.
• Orthotics/orthopedic shoes - provide a copy of the doctor's note prescribing the orthotics/orthopedic shoes and a copy of the estimate or receipt. The shoes must be custom-made. Off-the-shelf shoes are not considered. Maximum 2 pairs of orthotics in a lifetime. Maximum $400 each.
• Respite care (relief for a caregiver) - is provided to a senior who lives with a caregiver (spouse or family member) who provides daily care to the senior. The senior must have a medical condition warranting respite care. A maximum of two weeks, two times per year will be considered. A receipt from the facility is required.