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. 

Alberta Healthcare Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 

The Alberta Healthcare Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible Alberta residents with full coverage for medically necessary physician services, and some dental and oral surgical health services. Your physician determines what insured services are considered medically necessary. You must be registered with the AHCIP, using your personal healthcare card, to receive insured services. Visit the AHCIP website to see a list of covered services. 

GLA:D™ Clinic – University of Calgary 

GLA:D™ is an 8-week education and exercise program, designed for people with symptoms of knee or hip osteoarthritis, to improve symptoms and promote independence in physical activity. The cost of the GLA:D programs are set by each clinic offering them, so there may be costs associated with attending. However, for those who have access to benefits, insurance companies will often cover the cost of the program. 

To register for this program, visit the University of Calgary Active Living GLA:D™ Clinic website, call 403-220-8814, or email smithe@ucalgary.ca. 

Knee Osteoarthritis Clinic – University of Calgary 

The University of Calgary Knee Osteoarthritis Clinic was established to provide patients with a confirmed diagnosis and to develop a personalized and thorough non-operative treatment plan to improve knee function and quality of life. Program staff will work with you to establish a treatment plan that will best suit your needs. You will need a referral from your family physician to access the Knee Osteoarthritis Clinic. Visits to this clinic are covered with a valid provincial healthcare card.  

It's A Joint Effort – University of Calgary 

It’s A Joint Effort is a multidisciplinary, online education program to help patients and caregivers adjust to a new diagnosis of inflammatory or autoimmune disease. By learning more about your condition, you'll be able to better manage it and lead a fuller, healthier lifestyle. Made up of a series of online educational videos, It's a Joint Effort allows you to learn more about what arthritis is, the support and resources available to you, the types of medications that are used to treat these conditions, tips on how to stay healthy and information on the benefits of exercise in the management of inflammatory arthritis and how to protect your joints.  

Living with Osteoarthritis – MyHealth Alberta  

MyHealth Alberta is a web-based resource with information about living with arthritis, including exercising with arthritis, and treatment options. 

Alberta Health Services  

Alberta Health Services offers a variety of free group nutrition workshops and classes that are facilitated Alberta Health Services Registered Dietitians across the province.  

Edmonton O-day’min Primary Care Network  

The Edmonton O-day’min Primary Care Network (PCN) offers nutritional counselling and a variety of themed nutrition classes. To access most nutrition services, your family physician must be part of the Primary Care Network. The Healthy Eating 101 class is open to everyone.  

Edmonton O-day’min 

The Edmonton O-day’min Primary Care Network (PCN) offers individual and group therapy, social work navigation, and a variety of mental health classes. To access one-on-one mental health services, your family physician must be part of the Primary Care Network. Most group classes are open to everyone.  

Edmonton O-DAY’MIN 

The Edmonton O-day’min Primary Care Network (PCN) offers kinesiology services, individual fitness counselling and education, and exercise and active living classes. To access some services, your family physician must be part of the Primary Care Network. The Active Living 101 class and the MOVE program are open to everyone. 

Alberta Healthy Living Program 

The Alberta Healthy Living Program is designed to help people living with a chronic condition improve their health and quality of life. There are a number of free workshops and classes available on topics such as osteoarthritis, adult weight management, healthy eating, chronic pain management, and getting active. 

Rehabilitation Advice Line 

The Rehabilitation Advice Line, offered by Alberta Health Services provides rehabilitation advice and general health information for Albertans of any age. This service can: assess your rehabilitation needs over the phone; give advice on activities and exercises that help with physical, functional, or developmental concerns; provide strategies to manage the day-to-day activities affected by these concerns; and link you to rehabilitation services. For more information, call 1-833-379-0563. 

Home Care 

Those who require at-home assistance may be eligible for Alberta Health Service’s Home Care program, which can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and social work services, among other services.