Contact Cascade Orthotics
(403) 283-7872
2636 Parkdale Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3S6
Login

AADL Funding Guide for Orthotic Braces in Calgary

Cascade Orthotics Calgary > AADL Funding Guide for Orthotic Braces in Calgary

Clear. Practical. Supportive. Prepared.

If you are wondering whether Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) may help pay for an orthotic brace, we make the next step easier to understand. From your assessment through fitting and follow-up, Cascade helps you understand the funding path before anything is ordered.

Book an Appointment

 

Who this guide helps

Albertans who need an orthotic brace and want straightforward answers about AADL, private insurance, referrals, expected costs, and what happens next. This includes parents of children needing scoliosis bracing, adults recovering from injury or surgery, and seniors seeking support for mobility, stability, and confidence.

 

Quick answers

  • What is AADL? Alberta Aids to Daily Living is a provincial program that helps eligible Albertans pay for basic medical equipment and supplies.
  • Can AADL cover a brace? AADL lists orthotic braces as a covered benefit category, but it does not cover foot orthotics.
  • What might I pay? Most AADL benefits involve a 25% cost share, up to $500 per individual or family benefit year. Eligible low-income Albertans may be exempt. Seniors age 65+ do not cost-share on orthotic benefits.
  • Can I buy a brace first and submit later? No. Assessment and authorization must happen before the brace is purchased.

 

How the AADL path works

  1. Book an assessment. For orthotics, the assessment and authorization are completed through an approved AADL specialty vendor. A physician prescription may be required for some braces.
  2. Review your funding route. We explain whether AADL appears appropriate and identify other possible funding sources, including private insurance, WCB, NIHB, or Veterans Affairs.
  3. Understand your expected costs. Before proceeding, we review any applicable AADL cost share and any optional upgrade costs.
  4. Fit, teach, and follow up. We fit and adjust the brace, explain safe use and care, and support you as you return to daily life.

 

Who may be eligible

You may be eligible for AADL benefits if you are an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card and need assistance because of a long-term disability, chronic illness, or terminal illness. Long-term and chronic conditions are generally defined as lasting six months or more.

Eligibility and coverage depend on your clinical assessment, the current AADL benefit rules, and authorization. AADL may not be the primary funding route if comparable benefits are available through another program or insurer.

 

What may be covered

AADL identifies orthotic braces as a covered benefit category. The specific brace, clinical need, approved product criteria, and authorization determine what may be funded.

Important: AADL does not cover custom foot orthotics. We can still help you explore extended-health or private-pay options for foot orthotics.

 

What to bring

  • Your Alberta Health Care card
  • Any referral, prescription, imaging report, or clinic note you already have
  • Your current brace, if you use one
  • Private insurance, WCB, NIHB, or Veterans Affairs details, if applicable
  • Comfortable clothing and, for lower-limb bracing, the shoes you use most often

 

For seniors seeking a knee, hip, or spinal brace

AADL can be especially helpful for Albertans 65 and older. Seniors do not pay the AADL cost share on orthotic benefits. If your goal is steadier walking, improved function, or greater day-to-day confidence, we will explain the likely funding path before proceeding.

Senior Braces and Orthoses.

 

For parents of children needing scoliosis bracing

We help families understand the funding process while focusing on the things that matter most: a precise fit, comfort, wearability, and a clear plan for school, sport, sleep, and follow-up.

Read the Scoliosis Bracing Guide.

 

Official AADL resources

 

Meet Our Certified Orthotists C.O.(c)

Get clear guidance on brace options, fitting, AADL, and other funding routes from a team focused on comfort, function, and follow-up.

 

Need help deciding where to start?

You do not need to sort out AADL, insurance, and brace options alone. Book an appointment and we will help clarify the most sensible next step before anything is ordered.

Book an Appointment

This page provides general information only. AADL rules, approved products, and forms can change. Coverage depends on current Government of Alberta policy, clinical assessment, product criteria, and authorization. Official AADL guidance controls if there is any difference.