ADMINISTRATION OF DYING
As you may have already experienced, living with a terminal illness can place extra challenges on your family and your finances. The following information will ease some of these challenges by providing you information on the following: • Financial assistance at the end of life • Non-financial assistance for family members and caregivers • Decision making assistance related to financial and health related matters • Planning a funeral ❦ WHAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO ME AND MY LOVED ONES BEFORE I DIE? 1. Financial Assistance for Prescription Drugs, Diabetes Supplies and Ambulance Services All Alberta residents who have a palliative diagnosis and reside at home, hospice, or a non-publicly funded residence can receive subsidized benefits under the Palliative Blue Cross program. This program subsidizes prescription drugs, diabetes supplies and ambulance services. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to apply for this program. For more information, go to: www.alberta.ca/palliative-care-health-benefits.aspx 2. Financial Assistance for Additional Care in Your Home (see more information in Disease Management , page 9 and Physical Care & Support , page 17) As of 2017, Alberta Health Services has made available additional funding, to provide extra care in your home, particularly if you want to stay at home longer. Funding can cover costs of part-time or full-time registered nurs-
es, licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, caregivers, and other support services. For more information, please contact your Alberta Health Services Homecare nurse.
3. Financial Assistance for Family Caregivers: Compassionate Employment Insurance Benefits Compassionate Employment Insurance (EI) Care benefits are paid to family members who provide support and caregiving to a family member who is at significant risk of death. EI benefits extend up to a maximum of 26 weeks. If you require assistance to apply for EI benefits, ask your social worker for help. For more information, go to: www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-compassionate.html 4. Life Benefits Life insurance will often provide for what is known as a living benefit. This benefit allows for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to have a portion of their anticipated benefit paid to them in the years before their death. Taking such benefits will reduce the amount of the insurance benefit ultimately paid to the beneficiary of the insurance. A financial advisor can help you make these kinds of decisions. 5. Tax Credits People who have costs associated with health-related goods and services, or additional living costs, due to disability, may be eligible for tax credits. To find out more about tax credits that may be available to you, consult with a financial advisor.
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