Those who qualify for Supplementary Health benefits are eligible for a number of health services and products. In addition to the universal health benefits, such as hospital and physician care, Supplementary Health benefits are listed below.

Information on Saskatchewan's health benefits is provided in the It's For Your Benefit booklet below. For a hard copy, phone 1-800-667-7766 (toll free).

(See more information below)

Eligibility for Supplementary Health coverage is determined by Saskatchewan Community Resources. Saskatchewan Health will send you a Supplementary Health card if you are eligible.

If you have questions about eligibility for coverage, contact your nearest office of the Department of Community Resources listed in the telephone book blue pages.

A physician or authorized health professional must prescribe all items (many of which require prior approval by Saskatchewan Health). Benefits include items such as:

• Surgical dressings;
• Insulin syringes and needles;
• (CPAP) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure supplies; 
• Female contraceptive devices;
• Incontinence aids (except pads, diapers);
• Aerochambers; and
• Ostomy supplies.
  

If Community Resources determines that you are eligible for Supplementary Health coverage, one of the following plans may apply to you:

All Plans - Individuals under 18 will receive benefit prescriptions at no charge. All plans cover the following prescribed regular benefit drugs without charge to the patient: insulin, oral medication for diabetes and birth control pills.

Plan One - If you are an adult, you pay no more than $2 for each benefit prescription.

Plan Two - If you are on Plan One and you need several different drugs on a long-term basis, you may be eligible for benefit prescriptions at no charge. You, your physician, or your pharmacist may contact the Drug Plan to request this coverage.

Plan Three - Under Plan Three coverage, you will receive benefit prescriptions at no charge. In addition to the benefits in Plan Two, you may receive, without charge, certain additional prescribed drugs approved by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan. Plan Three is designed for people receiving the Saskatchewan Income Plan and residing in special-care homes. Individuals living in Approved Homes and Group Homes may also be eligible.

Coverage is limited to audiology services and hearing aids provided through the Hearing Aid Plan in your Regional Health Authority. Most of these services require prior approval. Batteries and repairs are available at no cost. For further information, contact your Regional Health Authority.

The program may pay for replacement of a lost or broken hearing aid on an individual basis, but will not do so more than once in a five-year period. Replacement is subject to a 30 per cent co-payment for clients over the age of 20.

Emergency Benefits

Coverage is limited to relieving pain and controlling infection. If you are an employable adult receiving benefits, you and your spouse are eligible for only emergency dental benefits for six months from the time of being nominated to the Supplementary Health Program. After six months of emergency coverage, you become eligible for full benefits. Children automatically qualify for full benefits.

Full Benefits

Once approved for full benefits, coverage includes payment for a range of basic dental services required to maintain good dental health.

Those needing dentures may obtain them from a licensed dentist or denturist. You will be asked to pay some of the cost. Your dentist or denturist is required to seek Saskatchewan Health approval to make sure the service is eligible for payment.

Persons receiving Supplementary Health benefits have the option to "upgrade" two specific dental services beyond those basic services coverage under the program. These are:

• Upgrading from the amalgam (silver-colored) to composite (tooth-colored) fillings in posterior (back) teeth; and
• Upgrading partial dentures from acrylic to cast metal.

Persons choosing to "upgrade" these services will be required to pay the difference between the basic service covered under the program and the cost of the optional upgraded service. Your dentist will be able to provide further information about these services and the costs.

Eye Exams - You are eligible for one exam per year if you are under 18 or over 64 years of age. Others receiving Supplementary Health benefits are eligible for one exam every two years.

Glasses - An optometrist or optical dispensary may provide you with plain-framed glasses after prior approval. The program may pay for replacement of lost or broken glasses on an individual basis, but will not do so more than once in a two-year period.

Foot care visits and appliances provided through Regional Health Authority clinics are covered. The services of private podiatry clinics are not covered under this program.

Visits to chiropractors are covered. X-ray examinations are included when necessary.

Coverage includes patient charges for emergency road and air ambulance services.

In northern Saskatchewan, long-distance, medically-related transportation by commercial carriers is available with prior approval by local health personnel. For information on eligibility and access to this services, contact: Athabasca Regional Health Authority, Keewatin Yatthe Regional Health Authority or Mamawetan Churchill River Regional Health Authority.

Supplementary Health coverage does not normally extend to services outside Saskatchewan. However, these services may be covered if you receive care, treatment or training outside of the province, with prior approval of Saskatchewan Community Resources.

Always present your Supplementary Health card or temporary health coverage form when you request a Supplementary Health service. Service providers are paid directly. The program does not reimburse clients.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Supplementary Health cards, please call Saskatchewan Health Registration at (306) 787-3251 in Regina or toll free at 1-800-667-7551.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Supplementary Health benefits, please call Saskatchewan Health at (306) 787-3124 in Regina or toll free at 1-800-266-0695, or write to:

Drug Plan & Extended Benefits Branch
Saskatchewan Health
3475 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 6X6

If you have questions about Drug Coverage, please call (306) 787-3317 in Regina or toll free at 1-800-667-7581.