Finding Low- or No-Cost Treatment Options

Many programs have eligibility criteria such as age, income, or type of arthritis, or require a referral from a member of your healthcare team. It’s important to know which options might be best for you, if you qualify, and how to access programs and services that are available to you.

Some practitioners may offer treatment on a sliding fee scale to make their services more affordable to people and based on income rather than a set rate. Others may offer ‘pay-what-you-can’ or ‘community hours’, when services are provided at a reduced rate. If cost is a concern for you, consider reaching out to practitioners in your area to learn if any reduced rate programs are available.

If you have benefits through your employer or other group or private insurance provider, your plan may cover some or all of the costs of extended healthcare or complementary therapy. Check with your benefits provider to see if the services you wish to use are eligible for cost coverage.

Many of these services can also be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return.

GLA:D™ Program 

The GLA:D™ Program is an evidence-based exercise program originally developed in Denmark that places an emphasis on education and exercise to help manage pain and symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis.

The program is available in various locations across Canada; however, the cost may vary depending on your location, as each clinic sets their own price.

To learn more about this program in Canada, and to find a clinic location near you that offers GLA:D™, visit www.gladcanada.ca.

If the cost to participate is too high in your area, consider asking the clinic if they offer a sliding scale or fee adjustments. You may also still find benefit from the resources available on the GLA:D™ website, including occasional free interactive web-based sessions featuring different topics.  

Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers free online courses on a variety of topics related to mental health.  

BounceBack^® – Canadian Mental Health Association 

BounceBack^® is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Working with workbooks and a trained coach to guide you and encourage you to reflect, BounceBack^® can help you build skills to improve your mental health. 

Bridge the gapp 

Bridge the gapp is an online portal designed to connect youth and adults with guidance and supports for mental health and addictions. This portal offers self-help resources, links to local services, and allows the user to share their own personal stories. 

Yoga 

Yoga is often recommended for people living with arthritis as a low-impact activity. Check with your healthcare provider first to ensure it is a safe activity for you. Some yoga studios offer ‘karma classes’ at a pay-what-you-can or reduced rate during specific times each week. Contact your local yoga studio to find out if they offer reduced-rate classes. You can also find many free yoga videos online.  

ABC Health Matters  

ABC Health Matters empowers Canadians to manage their health more effectively by increasing their confidence when talking about and making decisions regarding health issues with family, friends and health professionals. Through the program, adults develop a deeper understanding of how to advocate for their health and the health of loved ones and better understand how to access healthcare.  

Home and Community Healthcare Programs 

Some individuals may be eligible for in-home or community services. 

Services delivered in the home can help people with minor health problems and disabilities as well as those who need intensive and sophisticated services and equipment. Home care services may include: nursing; personal care such as help with bathing, dressing, and feeding; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; speech therapy; social work; dietitian services; homemaking; and respite services. 

Other services may be available in your community, such as meal services, or friendly visitor programs. 

Medical Services Plan and Supplementary Benefits 

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) pays for medically required services of physicians and surgeons, and dental or oral surgery performed in a hospital. You must be registered with the Medical Services plan using your personal healthcare card to receive insured services. Visit the British Columbia government's web page about MSP to see a list of covered services.  

MSP supplementary benefits provide partial payment for certain medical services obtained in British Columbia (for example, massage therapy and chiropractic services) and may provide access to other income-based programs. Visit the British Columbia government's web page about supplementary benefits to learn more.  

Mary Pack Arthritis Program 

The Mary Pack Arthritis Program offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, and nursing services for people living with arthritis. Clients require a referral from their doctor and visits are covered by the British Columbia Medical Services Plan. 

OASIS – Osteoarthritis Service Integration System Classes 

OASIS offers free educational workshops taught by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian or registered nurse, depending on the topic, for people living with osteoarthritis.  

Visit their website to view their calendar of upcoming online and in-person classes: http://oasis.vch.ca/our-classes/  

Inflammatory Arthritis Rehab Clinic – Surrey Memorial Hospital 

The Inflammatory Arthritis Rehab Clinic at Surrey Memorial Hospital provides free occupational therapy and physiotherapy services for adults newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A referral from a rheumatologist is required to access their services.  

Providence Healthcare Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation and Education Program  

Older adults with arthritis can access services from the Providence Healthcare Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation and Education Program. Available services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and other care. A referral from a doctor is required.  

Vancouver Coastal Health Vocational Rehabilitation Services 

The Vocational Rehabilitation program serves individuals with arthritis whose condition has impacted their ability to work. Vocational counselling and assessment are provided to help clients explore career options and address employment concerns. Requires a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner.  

ArthritisBC+Me 

ArthritisBC+Me is an online portal designed to help patients learn about arthritis and the currently available arthritis programs and resources in the province.  

HealthLink BC 

HealthLink BC provides access to a registered dietitian through telephone, email, and web-based services. By calling 811, or visiting the HealthLink BC website, you can ask questions and learn more about available services related to food and nutrition.  

FoodFit – Grandview Woodland Food Connection 

FoodFit is a free 6-week program that combines cooking, nutrition information, and fun. Participants will improve their basic cooking skills, learn new recipes, and get moving with body-positive physical movement for all levels. To register for an upcoming session, email gwfcnetwork@gmail.com or call 604-718-5895.  

Chow Down Cooking Classes – Cowichan Green Community  

The Chow Down Cooking Classes program is a series of cooking classes held every other week, at the Cowichan Green Community’s commercial kitchen located in downtown Duncan on Vancouver Island. These classes are offered free to members of the community who have lower income and may not be able to afford nutritious, healthy, local food. To register for an upcoming session, email info@cowichangreencommunity.org or call 205-748-8506. 

Free and Affordable Counselling in Victoria  

The Victoria Disability Resource Centre has put together a list of organizations in the Greater Victoria area that offer either free or affordable counselling services. The list includes information about what types of counselling each organization offers, where they are located, and how to get in touch.   

HealthLink BC 

HealthLink BC provides access to qualified exercise professionals through telephone, email, and web-based services. By calling 811, or visiting the HealthLink BC website, you can ask questions and learn more about physical activity.