According to Statistics Canada, it’s estimated that 369,190 Albertans are living with a disability – that makes up 12.5 percent of the province. These range from mobility concerns to psychological disabilities, each having a serious impact on the lives of the individual.
From prosthetics to walkers to specialized equipment, having a disability can be expensive. To further complicate things some Canadians with disabilities are unable to work, which leaves them on a fixed income.
To help people with disabilities who need equipment, but may lack the money, the government funds programs like Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL).
Key Points You Should Know About The AADL Program
| What is it? | The AADL program helps cover the cost of basic equipment or supplies for those with long-term or chronic disabilities. |
| How much can you get? | Covers 75% or 100% of your equipment or supplies, up to a maximum of $500 per family each year. |
| Who’s eligible? | Alberta residents with an Alberta Health Care card and who have a long-term or chronic disability. |
What Is The Alberta Aids To Daily Living (AADL) Program?
The AADL program is designed to help those living with disabilities to remain independent. To do so, it offers funding for essential equipment and supplies to assist in mobility within their homes and community.
How Much Funding Can You Get Through The AADL Program?
The AADL program is done on a cost-share basis. Individuals must pay for 25 percent of the equipment cost up to a maximum of $500 per family each year.
The yearly maximum of $500 applies per household, not per person. That means a household that has two people who require disability coverage would only pay $500 total per year.
This benefit resets every July 1st, so your cost-share payments would kick in then. If you choose to upgrade your equipment throughout the year, the additional cost is not covered by the AADL, so you’d have to pay the entire amount on your own.
Consider the cost-share as a deductible. For example, if you need to purchase a walker that costs $200, you would pay $50, with AADL covering the rest.
However, you may be exempt from the cost-sharing portion if you’re an Albertan who receives income assistance.
There are exemptions to the cost-share arrangement for low-income Albertans. To apply, you must complete and submit the exemption form.
- Single: Taxable income is less than $20,970
- Couple – no children: Taxable income is less than $33,240
- Parent(s) with children: Taxable income is less than $39,250
Additional accommodations extend to seniors requiring hearing aids. Further, if your financial situation has shifted resulting from an extreme, health-care-related expense, you can apply for a temporary cost-share exemption.
Who Is Eligible For The Alberta Aids To Daily Living (AADL) Program?
Eligibility for the AADL program requires the individual with a disability to be:
- An Albertan resident with a current Alberta Health Care card.
- Have a long-term disability or chronic illness, defined as an issue extending beyond six months.
In general, the eligibility criteria are fairly broad. Individuals are assessed on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare professional.
How To Apply For AADL Benefits
To give yourself the best opportunity for approval, applying for AADL should be done exactly by the book.
Step 1. Find Out If You’re Eligible
First, you’ll need to get assessed by a healthcare professional. This will determine whether you are eligible under the terms of the program. It will also dictate what basic medical needs you have which should be covered.
For those who require any of the following: orthotics, oxygen, prosthetics, or hearing aids, a specialty vendor is required.
Note: Keep in mind that this program offers no refund for supplies bought before said assessment. You must have specific authorization to access the program.
Step 2. Choose An Approved Vendor
Once you’ve been approved, you can buy your equipment or supplies, but it must be from an approved AADL vendor. The professional authorizing your account will supply you with three companies in your area. You may also use the approved vendor list.
Since mobility coverage is different for each individual, the arrangements differ on an individual basis. If the equipment is larger (like a hospital bed or wheelchair), the AADL purchases it directly and delivers it to you.
The most important aspect of this program is to get explicit, written authorization of your purchase, from the AADL. Ensure that you stick exclusively to the list of vendors as well or else you won’t be reimbursed for the expense.
Having Trouble With Your Application?
You can contact the AADL program directly, speak to hospital personnel, or go through a healthcare center for more information. You can also call HealthLink at 811.
What Type Of Equipment Or Supplies Is Covered Under The AADL Program?
Mobility equipment is far-reaching, meaning the supplies covered by this plan are fairly broad as well. Accessibility and mobility aren’t exclusive to walking gear and wheelchairs, it extends to hearing aids, burn supplies, prosthetics, injection supplies, customized footwear, and more. The list is extensive, ranging from respiratory gear to specialized pediatric supplies.
Health care needs are assessed on an individual basis and the program covers the basic equipment. In essence, if you would benefit from a wheelchair, but your clinical assessment says a walker would suffice, the plan will only cover the walker.
In some cases, equipment will be second-hand, including wheelchairs, respiratory devices, and patient lifters. Certain items, such as breast prostheses, orthotic braces, prosthetic devices, and ocular prostheses, are available at no cost to all seniors.
What Is Not Covered Under The Alberta Aids To Daily Living (AADL) Program?
Several serious issues do not receive coverage under the AADL regulations. This extends to foot orthotics, eyeglasses, prescription medication, dental care, and dentures. However, the site notes that seniors are likely eligible for financial assistance through another program.
Final Notes On The AADL
Programs like the AADL are designed to help Albertans who are disabled and on a low income get the support they need at a low cost. However, delays are inevitable with a lengthy approval process and limited approved vendors list.
Though low-income individuals are eligible to avoid cost-share, those with Treaty rights, those dealing with WCB, and those with Veteran’s Affairs aren’t eligible. While some issues have been resolved, the AADL is not a perfect system. That said, it does provide medical equipment at a reduced cost to eligible Albertans.
