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. 

Northwest Territories Healthcare Plan and Extended Health Benefits (EHB) 

The Northwest Territories Healthcare Plan covers the costs medically necessary physician services provided by licensed physicians. The plan also covers the cost of medically necessary hospital services, provided at a hospital, on an inpatient or outpatient basis, including occupational therapy and physiotherapy. You must be registered with the MCP using your personal healthcare card to receive insured services. Visit the Northwest Territories Healthcare Plan website to see a list of covered physician and hospital services. 

The Extended Health Benefits (EHB) program provides seniors and individuals with specified health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, with coverage for eligible prescription drugs, medical supplies, and equipment. Individuals registered with this program may also receive benefits related to medical travel such as meals and accommodations.  

Registered Dietitian Services 

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority offers free classes facilitated by Registered Dietitians. There are Registered Dietitians in every region of the Northwest Territories. To contact the Dietitian working in your region, you can contact your local Health Centre or email healthpromotion@gov.nt.ca.  

Community Counselling Program 

The Northwest Territories Community Counselling Program provides access to mental health. Trained counsellors are available for you to talk about any problems that you may be dealing with in your life as well as provide assistance or referrals to other services that may be of help to you. This free service is available for all residents. Counsellors live in 20 communities throughout the Northwest Territories. In all other communities, counsellors provide phone support and in-person counselling on a fly-in basis.  

NWT Help Line 

The NWT Help Line offers free support to residents of the Northwest Territories, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The NWT Help Line also has an option for follow-up calls. Residents can call the help line at 1-800-661-0844. 

Strongest Families Institute  

Strongest Families Institute (SFI) provides accessible, evidence-based, English and French e-mental health services to children/youth, adults, and their families. Their anxiety and depression programs are rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based techniques. Visit the SFI website for more information about their programs.  

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority 

Occupational Therapy services are offered across the Northwest Territories. If you are located in a smaller community you may have to be seen by a visiting Occupational Therapist, or travel to a larger centre for service. To access these services, contact your local health centre, clinic, or hospital, or refer yourself to the program. Visit the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority website for more information.  

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority 

Physiotherapy services are offered across the Northwest Territories. If you are located in a smaller community you may have to be seen by a visiting Physiotherapist, or travel to a larger centre for service. To access these services, contact your local health centre, clinic, or hospital, or refer yourself to the program. Visit the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority website for more information.