More people are being diagnosed each year as medical professionals continue to highlight the benefits of treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Several years ago, the Government of Saskatchewan added CPAP devices to the Saskatchewan Assistance to Independent Living (SAIL) program. As a result, group benefit plans no longer cover the purchase of CPAP devices. Instead, plans reimburse the SAIL program fee associated with renting a CPAP through SAIL. 

To receive a CPAP device through SAIL, you must first complete a sleep study. This can be done at a provincial sleep lab (a level one study), or through a private clinic or a home provider (a level three study). Once testing is complete, the results must be reviewed by a Saskatchewan Respirologist, the only type of medical professional authorized to submit an application to SAIL on behalf of their patient.

Program fee coverage

Under your Extended Health Care Plan, you are covered for SAIL’s $275 program fee, which includes the loan of the CPAP device and any repairs it may need throughout its useful life. This fee is significantly lower than the cost of purchasing a machine privately. SAIL also handles warranty-approved repairs and replacements if the device becomes unusable, costs that group benefit plans do not cover for privately purchased machines. However, machine replacement triggered by the user’s misuse or negligence of the device will be subject to another $275 program fee.

While it is possible to purchase a CPAP machine independently, you should consult with a medical professional to ensure that a device is medically necessary, properly configured, and monitored for effective treatment outcomes. 

Plan members considering purchasing any medical equipment should submit a preauthorization request to Canada Life to confirm available coverage and avoid unexpected expenses. 

If you have questions about the SAIL program, you can call SAIL directly at 306.787.7121 or 1.888.787.8996, or refer to this information sheet.