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NEW STANDARDIZED FUNDING PROGRAM

Alberta eliminates $40/day fee for residential addiction treatment

Nov 6, 2020 | 7:05 PM

The provincial government hopes to make it easier for those suffering from substance addiction to seek help.

They are removing the typical $40 per day user fee for residential addiction treatment, which is often paid for out-of-pocket or covered by Alberta Supports.

Under the now-previous system, a person participating in a 60-day publicly-funded residential addiction treatment program would pay roughly $2,400.

Instead, the province is introducing a new standardized funding program for licensed agencies providing publicly-funded addiction treatment services.

“For the first time in Alberta’s history, publicly funded addiction treatment will be extended to all Albertans,” says Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan.

“Previously, people struggling with addiction could only access residential addiction treatment if they received Alberta Supports or paid privately. We are giving all Albertans – regardless of their financial situation – the opportunity to recover and build a better life. Recovery is for everyone.”

The old Residential Addictions Treatment program was accessed by approximately 200 people on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) supports and 2,500 on Income Supplements every year.

Albertans struggling with addiction can call the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322. The toll-free line offers help 24/7.

The list of residential addiction treatment service providers in the province includes Safe Harbour Society and Central Zone Protection of Children Abusing Drugs (PChAD) in Red Deer, and the iRecover Treatment Centre – Serenity Ranch near Tees.