Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

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Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is an income support and health benefits program of the Government of Alberta. The program serves over 31,000 (as of 2004) “adult Albertans with a permanent disability that severely impairs their ability to earn a living.”

In the 2004 provincial election, AISH was the subject of some controversy following supposedly derogatory remarks made by Premier Ralph Klein, stating, of a group of AISH recipients, "they didn't look handicapped to me."

After the 2004 election, responsibility for the AISH program was moved from the Human Resources and Employment ministry to the then newly formed Alberta Seniors and Community Supports ministry.

[edit] Benefits

Monthly Income:
- Every AISH recipient receives a monthly payment of $1088. In addition to which, a recipient can earn up to $400 without his AISH income being affected. For any income between $400 and $700, 50% of what is earned is deducted from the AISH income, and any income above $700 will be taken off, dollar for dollar, from the AISH income. In effect, a recipient can earn $550 of extra income monthly without AISH income being directly affected.

Prescription Medications:
- Most prescription medications are paid for by AISH benefits. The majority of what a doctor will prescribe, from common antibiotics, to such medications as Ritalin and Zyprexa, is covered by AISH. However, there are medications, generally though not always newer medications, which are not covered by the benefits. Medication covergae is decided upon by a government committee. (ed. Often the function of such government committees is to develop reasons not to extend insurance coverage to a particular medication, given the frequent niggardliness of governments)

Dental Coverage:
- AISH allows for one yearly dental checkup and cleaning. In addition to this, AISH benefits also cover necessary fillings

Ambulance Service:
- AISH benefits will cover fees for ground ambulance service to the nearest hospital which can provide the medical treatment required