Does AADL Cover Hearing Aids in Alberta? A Simple Guide

One of the first questions we hear at our Edmonton clinics is: “How much do hearing aids cost, and is there any help paying for them?” For many Albertans, the answer is yes, through a provincial program called AADL.

What is AADL?

AADL stands for Alberta Aids to Daily Living. It is a provincial program run by Alberta Health that helps eligible residents with the cost of medical equipment and supplies they need for daily life. Hearing aids are one of the most common items covered. The program exists so that cost does not stop Albertans from getting the care they need to stay healthy, independent, and connected to the people around them.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible for AADL hearing aid benefits, you generally need to meet a few conditions:

• You are a resident of Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number
• You have a documented hearing loss confirmed by a hearing assessment
• Your hearing loss is significant enough that hearing aids are considered medically appropriate
• You are working with a registered AADL vendor who can authorize and submit your application

There is no age restriction. Adults, seniors, and children in Alberta can all qualify. Many of the patients we see at our Edmonton and Sherwood Park locations are surprised to learn they are eligible, especially those who assumed the program was only for seniors or low income households. The best way to find out is simply to book a hearing test and let us check for you.

What does AADL cover?

AADL provides a set benefit amount toward the purchase of hearing aids for those who qualify. The program covers a portion of the cost, and the remaining balance is the patient’s responsibility. That said, your out of pocket share can shrink significantly when you also have private insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a retiree benefits program.

Additional support for low income Albertans

If you are receiving Income Support, AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), or the Alberta Seniors Benefit, you may qualify for enhanced AADL coverage that reduces or eliminates your cost share entirely. We see this often with patients across Edmonton and the surrounding communities, and we always check whether you qualify for the maximum benefit before recommending a plan.

The AADL application process

One concern we hear is that government paperwork will be complicated or slow. At Medicine Place Hearing Care, we handle the entire AADL process for you from start to finish. Here is what it looks like:

1. Book a hearing assessment at either of our Edmonton area locations. This gives us the audiogram and clinical documentation AADL requires.
2. We review your eligibility and explain exactly what AADL will cover and what your share would be before you commit to anything.
3. We complete and submit the AADL application on your behalf. As a registered vendor, we have direct access to the system and know what the program needs to approve your file.
4. You receive your hearing aids once everything is approved. We fit them, program them, and provide ongoing follow up care.

The whole process typically takes a few weeks. You do not fill out forms, call government offices, or chase paperwork. That is our job.

Combining AADL with private insurance

Many Albertans have both AADL eligibility and private health insurance through work or a spouse’s employer. The good news is that these benefits can be stacked. AADL covers its portion, your private plan covers another portion, and your remaining cost can end up being very manageable. We coordinate with both programs so you receive the maximum benefit available to you. If you are unsure what your insurance covers, bring your plan details to your appointment and we will sort it out.

How an AADL vendor makes it easy

This is where working with a registered AADL vendor in Edmonton really helps. As an AADL vendor, we can:

• Confirm whether you qualify
• Explain exactly what is covered and what your share would be
• Handle the paperwork and submissions for you
• Combine AADL with any private insurance you may have

You do not have to navigate the process alone. Our clinicians at Medicine Place Hearing Care walk you through every step.

The bottom line

If the cost of hearing aids has been holding you back, do not assume you are on your own. Between AADL and most major insurance plans, help is often available, and it costs nothing to ask.

Talk to our team about your coverage, or learn more about our hearing aid services.