The Saskatchewan Government is making good on one of the election promises made a few months ago.
Ambulance fees for seniors will be reduced to $135 per trip, down from $275, and transfers between health facilities will come at no cost through the Senior Citizens’ Ambulance Assistance Program. The benefits will come into effect on December 14.
Saskatchewan residents are eligible for the program if they are 65 or older, have a valid Saskatchewan health card and are not insured under any other government service such as Health Canada, Workers Compensation or Saskatchewan Government Insurance.
“Our government is living up to its promise to provide Saskatchewan’s seniors with quality, affordable healthcare,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley says. “The investments we make now will help to address the future needs of our province’s growing senior population, while demonstrating our commitment to those who helped build our great province.”
The cutback is expected to cost the provincial government $2.2 million for the rest of the fiscal year and $6.6 million annually thereafter.