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 Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program, which oversees the allotment of rental CPAP machines to eligible patients. As a result, group benefit plans no longer cover the private purchase of CPAP devices. Instead, plan members are referred to the SAIL program to access a machine.

To be eligible to get a CPAP device through SAIL, you must first complete a sleep study. This can be done at a provincial Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) 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-based respirologist. If they recommend CPAP therapy, the respirologist will work with you on application paperwork, which they must then submit to SAIL on your behalf. A respirologist is the only type of medical professional authorized to apply to SAIL.  

Please note that sleep studies and specialist appointments may be subject to wait times based on availability. Capacity can vary across the province.

Program fee coverage

SAIL is the final step in this process: once a respirologist applies on a plan member’s behalf, SAIL manages the loan of the device to the plan member. 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, if a user misuses or neglects the device it will not be automatically replaced. Any and all requests for replacement machines are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and assessed individually based on clinical criteria and program guidelines to determine if the user is eligible for a replacement. If granted, the plan member will have to pay another $275 program fee.

Please note that SAIL cannot assist until your respirologist has submitted an application.

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. 

Who do I contact for questions about CPAP?

The CPAP application process involves multiple organizations, each with a different role:

• 3sHealth can help explain your benefits coverage. Contact us at 1.866.278.2301 or email ebp@3sHealth.ca.
• Your family doctor can make a referral to a respirologist for diagnosis and to provide assistance navigating the application process. 
• The Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program through the Ministry of Health receives applications from Saskatchewan Respirologists and, when eligible, provides CPAP devices to approved patients for a program fee of $275. For questions relating to the SAIL program, you can refer to this information sheet or call SAIL directly at 306.787.7121 or 1.888.787.8996.
• Canada Life will process any eligible CPAP claims and reimburse the $275 SAIL program fee. You can call them at 1.866.408.0213.