Saskatchewan’s seniors are seeing a significant reduction in ambulance fees.
As promised during the election campaign, the cost of a trip is going from $275 to $135.
As well, the government says there will be no cost to seniors for transfers between health care facilities such as hospitals, various health centres, mental health and addiction centres and special care homes. Seniors will receive full coverage for these transfers under the Senior Citizens’ Ambulance Assistance Program (SCAAP). These benefits will come into effect December 14, 2020.
“Our government is living up to its promise to provide Saskatchewan’s seniors with quality, affordable healthcare,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a release. “The investments we make now will help to address the future needs of our province’s growing senior population, while demonstrating our commitment to those who helped build our great province.”
The increased subsidy provided through SCAAP is estimated to cost $2.2 million for the remainder of the 2020-21 fiscal year, and $6.6 million annually.
To be eligible for SCAAP coverage, patients must be age 65 or over, hold a valid Saskatchewan health card and not have insured coverage by any other government service such as Health Canada, Workers Compensation (WCB) or Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).