Alberta

Alberta drug benefit list: Alberta drug benefit list is the formulary for prescription medicines and cancer drugs available under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

Non-Group Coverage | Alberta.ca: The Non-Group Coverage program aims to provide all Albertans with access to an economical supplementary health benefits program. The program offers coverage for various health-related services not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Outpatient Cancer Pharmacy and Drug Benefit Program | Alberta Health Services: The Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program (OCDBP) provides, without charge, cancer drugs to registered Alberta cancer patients through specific locations in the province. 

Alberta Cancer Foundation: Patient Financial Assistance Program: Provides support to eligible patients who need help by assisting with some of the direct costs of care, including travel, and accommodations for appointments and medications that are not covered by insurance. Additionally, patients may use some of their funds towards other indirect expenses such as groceries or utility bills.

Haying in the 30’s: An organization with the goal to help cancer victims undergoing treatment with financial assistance for transportation, lodging, fuel etc. For more information on how to apply, click here.

Alberta seniors benefit – The Alberta Seniors Benefit program is an income-based program that provides a monthly cash benefit and determines Alberta Health Insurance premium exemptions for eligible seniors.

Special needs assistance for seniors: The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program is an income-based program that provides a lump-sum cash payment to lower-income seniors facing financial difficulties.

Income support – Income Support from Alberta Human Resources and Employment provides financial benefits to individuals and families who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter.

If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance through the Emergency Needs Allowance program. You can apply if you are a current Income support client, or you are an Albertan earning an income, but cannot cover this one-time, short-term emergency that will last no longer than a month, or you meet the income support program eligibility requirements. For more information on how to apply, click here.

Food Banks Alberta brings together 113 member food banks to address food insecurity in Alberta through collaborating and cooperating. Click here to find a food bank. 

Assured income for the severely handicapped – Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides financial and health benefits for adult Albertans who have a permanent disability that severely impairs their ability to earn a living. The level of benefits depends on income and assets. The maximum living allowance is $1000 per month, and additional benefits (personal income support benefits) may be provided to meet clients’ special needs.

Alberta aids to daily living – The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies. An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program. Covered equipment include breast prostheses, among many others.

• You may be eligible for benefits through AADL if you are an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card, if you require assistance because of a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness.
• You may not be eligible for AADL benefits if you are eligible to receive similar benefits from another source including through Veterans Affairs, Workers’ Compensation Board, Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Directorate, First Nations and Inuit Branch, Health Canada, a private insurance plan.
• Before you can apply for AADL benefits, you must first be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine your basic medical needs and eligibility for the program.

• Once assessed by an AADL authorizer, clients will be provided with a list of up to 3 AADL approved vendors from which to obtain medical equipment or supplies. 
• You must purchase your medical equipment or supplies from an approved AADL vendor

For more information, click here.

Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP): The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), provides health equipment to individuals recovering from illness or injury. Similar to a prescription, healthcare professionals refer clients to the Canadian Red Cross and health equipment is selected to safely meet the needs of each individual. Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Programs operate in B.C., Alberta, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Yukon territory.

Short-term billing assistance:  The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) is a government resource and its mediation officers can assist with coordinating payment arrangements with utility retail service providers and work with customers to prevent disconnection from utilities services. You can contact the UCA if your electricity or natural gas services are disconnected or if you are looking for support in setting up payment arrangements with your retail service provider. For those requiring more assistance with utility bill payments, a single point of contact has been established to refer at-risk Albertans to the right social service program, such as Alberta Works. You can: 

• Call 780-644-9992 (or 1-877-644-9992 toll-free)

• Visit Alberta Supports website.
• Visit the closest Alberta Human Services office.

The UCA also has a list of agencies that may be able to provide support if you are unable to pay your bill and need financial assistance.

The Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund offers short-term financial assistance to offset some travel expenses when travelling to cancer treatments. This includes expenses like fuel and taxi or public transit fares. It is available to people in Canada who are currently or will soon be undergoing cancer treatment. For more information on how to apply, click here. 

Wheels of Hope – Volunteer Driving Program: This is a volunteer driving program offered by the Canadian Cancer Society. Registration and trip requests can be taken with three business days notice to book a trip. To register, clients will need a referral from a member of their treatment team at their treatment location. The following are the eligibility criteria:

• Client lives in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Referred by a member of their healthcare team with client permission.
• Has received a cancer diagnosis.
• Is receiving treatment for cancer, or has received treatment in the last 12 months and is attending follow-up appointments.
• Has no other means of transportation available.
• Annual $100 registration fee paid, with compassionate program available if they are unable to pay,

For more information, click here.

Adam’s Army Charitable Foundation: Adam’s Army is a charitable organization with a mission to financially relieve some of the worry from cancer families. You can fill out an application form, and if selected for approval, Adam’s Army will help you pay a bill.

Kids with Cancer Society: Offers programs and services ranging from family support programs and activities, peer support, activities, counselling services, and financial and education support.