Province expands access to opioid addiction treatment

In addition to medical support, the VODP provides clients with addiction counselling and other supports, including transitional services.

The Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Gap Coverage program will cover costs of medications to treat opioid use disorder for Albertans that are waiting to receive coverage through a supplementary health benefit plan. The province says the program will cover costs for up to 120 days. During that period, an Albertan can apply for and receive supplementary health benefits.

Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said that, “we’re [the government] creating pathways for recovery across the continuum of care for Albertans.”

“The Virtual Opioid Dependency and OAT Gap Coverage programs are important tools to help people across the province get the treatment they need to recover and live healthy, successful lives.”

The province noted that about 40 percent of VODP clients over the past year reported an opioid overdose when they entered the program.

After a year, fewer than 10 percent of clients reported an overdose.

Once enrolled in the program, patients receive regular visits via video with a doctor and other health professionals. Albertans can be referred to the VODP by any community healthcare provider or even refer themselves to the program.

The province says that the VODP is available across all of Alberta and has served more than 2,000 clients to date, including around 1,300 in the past year.

The OAT Gap Coverage program was launched on April 1. Since that time, more than 1,100 Albertans have been enrolled. It’s funded through the federal government’s Emergency Treatment Fund. Program funding this year is estimated to be about $2 million.

by Justin Goulet

Province expands access to opioid addiction treatment

What's Happening