Photo 186176051 © Noipornpan | Dreamstime.com

By Connor Gunn

Province expanding supports for palliative care

May 20, 2021 | 11:54 AM

EDMONTON, AB– Albertans who receive palliative care no longer need to pay for pre-filled syringes.

Those with a life-limiting illness who use injectable medications for pain and other symptoms will seek palliative care.

Starting June 1, the Palliative Coverage program through Alberta Health will cover the costs associated with pre-filling syringes.

This program will make it easier for people receiving palliative care and their caregivers to administer important medications, such as pain medication, and reducing costs for Albertans.

“Albertans in palliative care often face intense, unrelenting pain and other symptoms over the course of their illness. Eliminating the cost of pre-filling syringes with medication is a significant way in which we can support these Albertans during this difficult time,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

From 2019 to 2020, 5,200 people received health benefits through the Palliative Coverage program with over 2000 of those used injectable medications for pain management.

“This program expands palliative care services for Albertans with life-limiting illnesses so they can receive the treatment they need in the places they call home. Appropriate and timely palliative and end-of-life care is essential and we are moving in the right direction to support palliative care patients with dignity and comfort,” says Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River.

When this program comes into effect, the program will also cover the cost of syringes for injectable medication and the pharmacy’s cost for filling the syringes.

The province says a patient receiving palliative care may require 10 to 12 syringes of pain medication each day.

Learn more about the Palliative Coverage program.