How do I get home oxygen covered by Alberta health care?

 

If you or a loved one has been prescribed supplemental oxygen, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: will Alberta Health Care cover this? The good news is that Alberta has one of the more comprehensive home oxygen funding programs in the country — and if you meet the criteria, you will be completely covered with no cost to you.

At Peak Oxygen, we help Albertans access the oxygen therapy they need,  and we know how important it is to understand your funding options before you get started. Here’s everything you need to know:

 

Home oxygen in Alberta is funded through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) Respiratory Benefits Program, administered by Alberta Blue Cross on behalf of Alberta Health.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible residents of Alberta who have a medical need for long-term oxygen therapy. If all medical criteria are met, AADL will cover 100% of the cost of home oxygen equipment. At Peak Oxygen we don’t charge for any other services or soft goods, so there is NO COST to the patient.

To qualify, you need to meet both general AADL eligibility requirements and specific medical criteria and have a valid Alberta Health Card.

 

 

You may be eligible if you are an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health, have a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner (NP), and have testing that shows eligibility requirements are met (generally an arterial blood gas ABG).

 

 

AADL eligibility for oxygen coverage centres on specific medical criteria that demonstrate your need for supplemental oxygen therapy. This includes documented evidence of chronic hypoxemia through arterial blood gas analysis or pulse oximetry readings. Oxygen saturation levels must be below 88% at rest or during activity, or partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) must measure 59 mmHg or less on room air (from blood test in wrist).

Common conditions that may qualify include COPD, heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, chest infection, and other respiratory ailments.

 

Respiratory benefits include equipment like stationary home concentrators for continuous use, as well as portable oxygen concentrator equipment depending on your prescribed needs and activity level. Some vendors elect to charge for soft goods such as nasal cannulas but Peak Oxygen DOES NOT.

 

 

AADL coverage isn’t a one-time approval. Funding is subject to clients actively using oxygen therapy — if you are not compliant with your prescribed therapy, AADL can discontinue funding. You’ll also need to keep your physician updated on any changes to your condition, as authorizations are renewed periodically and require updated medical documentation. All re-authorization documentation and testing must be completed before your authorization termination date.

 

Not everyone will meet the clinical thresholds for full AADL funding. If you are not medically eligible, your extended health insurance may cover a portion of the cost, or you can pay privately. A prescription and diagnosis are still required in either case. This is also where Peak Oxygen can offer real flexibility. Our portable oxygen units are available for private rental or purchase, with no referral required to get started. Whether you’re waiting on AADL approval, bridging a gap in coverage, or simply need supplemental oxygen for travel and active living, we make it easy to get what you need quickly. Call us at 587-747-7699 to explore your options.

 

Navigating the AADL application process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already managing a health condition. At Peak Oxygen, we’re familiar with the process and can help point you in the right direction — whether you’re exploring coverage options, need a portable oxygen solution while you wait for approval, or want to understand what your options look like if AADL isn’t the right fit.

 

Visit us at peakoxygen.ca or call us at 587-747-7699— we’re happy to help you figure out the next step.