Description

The Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living Program (SAIL) of the Ministry of Health was established in 1975 to provide benefits that assist people with physical disabilities achieve a more active and independent lifestyle and to assist people in the management of certain chronic health conditions. The SAIL program is comprised of 14 sub-programs. Several of these programs are universal benefits and offer services to people who require them while the remaining programs are considered to be special benefit programs meaning a qualified applicant must meet specific program eligibility criteria before receiving benefits.

Benefit Amount

Universal Benefits

The Ministry of Health offers these benefits to people who require them. Programs include:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics Program
• Mobility and Assistive Devices (Special Needs Equipment) Program
• Therapeutic Nutritional Products Program
• Respiratory Equipment Program
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Loan Program
• Home Oxygen Program
• Children’s Enteral Feeding Pump Program
• Compression Garment Program

Special Benefit Programs

The Ministry provides these benefits to a qualified applicant who meets specific program eligibility criteria. Programs include:

• Paraplegia Program
• Cystic Fibrosis Program
• Chronic End-Stage Renal Disease Program
• Ostomy Program
• Haemophilia Program
• Aids to the Blind
• Saskatchewan Insulin Pump Program

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for SAIL, you must:

• Be a resident of Saskatchewan;
• Possess a valid Saskatchewan Health Services Number;
• Be referred for service by an authorized health care professional;
• Use a service in Saskatchewan, unless pre-authorized by Saskatchewan Health; and
• Not receive benefits from other government agencies such as Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Worker’s Compensation Board, Health Canada (Non-Insured Health Benefits Program), or Department of Veterans Affairs

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility
   • To qualify, you must:
     • Be a resident of Saskatchewan
     • Have a valid Saskatchewan Health Services Number
     • Be referred by an authorized health care professional
     • Use services within Saskatchewan (unless pre-approved)
     • Not be receiving similar benefits from other government agencies (e.g., SGI, WCB, Veterans Affairs, Health Canada)
2. Get a Referral
   • Speak with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or specialist.
     • They will assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate SAIL program (e.g., mobility aids, respiratory equipment, ostomy supplies).
3. Submit Required Documentation
   • Your health care provider will typically submit the referral and documentation on your behalf.
   • You may need to provide:
     • Proof of residency
     • Saskatchewan Health Card
     • Any relevant medical records or assessments
4. Wait for Approval
   • SAIL will review your application and determine eligibility.
   • If approved, you’ll be contacted with details about the equipment or services you qualify for.
5. Receive Services
   • Services may include:
     • Mobility and assistive devices
     • Home oxygen or CPAP equipment
     • Nutritional products
     • Compression garments
     • Specialized programs (e.g., for paraplegia, cystic fibrosis, renal disease)