Last updated: 23 September 2025
Introduction
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Alberta helps eligible seniors and families manage approved home-care hours with a registered agency. This guide explains who qualifies, how the AHS assessment works, what services are covered (and not covered), and how to select a registered CDHCI provider in Calgary and across Alberta so you can start services smoothly.
Eligibility and the Assessment Process
Who can apply?
Before receiving publicly funded home care, Albertans must be assessed by an Alberta Health Services (AHS) home‑care case manager. Anyone legally entitled to be in Canada and who makes Alberta their permanent residence can be assessed for home and community care. CDHCI is only available for people living in a community setting (not in a group home or facility).
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Alberta (CDHCI) is suitable for clients who:
- Have an unmet care need identified in an AHS assessment and have a care plan in place.
- Are willing and able to self‑manage their care or have a trusted person who can act as their CDHCI manager.
- Prefer to choose their own provider and schedule staff rather than rely on the AHS contracted service.
- Need more flexibility than standard home care can offer—for example, short‑term intensive needs, overnight care, respite for family caregivers or services in areas where AHS has difficulty arranging care.
You do not need to have an Alberta Blue Cross health plan to be eligible. However, CDHCI is not approved if you live in a home owned by the care provider or in a congregate setting such as an assisted‑living facility.
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Alberta – Getting assessed
- Contact AHS Home Care. You (or a family member) can request an assessment without a doctor’s referral. Phone numbers vary by region—for example, Calgary residents can call 403‑943‑1920 or 1‑888‑943‑1920.
- Meet with a case manager. The case manager uses a standardized tool to assess unmet needs and works with you to create a service care plan.
- Discuss service options. The case manager will help you decide whether CDHCI is appropriate based on your ability to self‑direct and the complexity of your care needs.
What is CDHCI?
CDHCI is a publicly funded home‑care option administered by Alberta Blue Cross. Eligible clients can hire a provider from a registry and direct their services up to a maximum number of AHS‑approved hours per month. AHS sets the hourly rate that will be reimbursed, and the provider submits claims directly to Alberta Blue Cross. Clients can switch providers at any time to find the best fit.
Benefits of CDHCI
- Choice of provider: You can select an agency that speaks your language or understands your cultural preferences.
- Control and flexibility: You schedule and direct the staff providing care without managing payroll or contracts.
- Expanded coverage: CDHCI may provide care beyond what AHS can offer through its own or contracted providers, including short‑term intensive support, overnight care and services in rural areas.
- Respite for caregivers: Families can use approved hours to get meaningful breaks while ensuring loved ones remain safe at home.
CDHCI is not available when the client resides in a home owned by the care provider agency or any congregate living setting.
Services Covered and Not Covered
CDHCI services must align with your assessed care plan. AHS authorizes a maximum number of hours per month, and unused hours cannot be carried forward. Approved services include:
| Service category | Examples |
| Personal care | Assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, mobilization and transferring, home exercises, nutrition, medication assistance and respiratory care |
| Homemaking | Essential sanitation tasks such as cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes, cleaning mobility equipment, laundry, vacuuming and removing garbage. Homemaking must accompany personal care or respite; it cannot be a stand‑alone service |
| Respite care | Day, evening or overnight care that gives unpaid caregivers a break |
Services not covered
The CDHCI program will not reimburse:
- Hours exceeding the monthly maximum or extra time to meet provider minimum call‑out times.
- Charges above the AHS maximum hourly rate—the client pays the difference.
- Administrative costs, holiday premiums, overtime, mileage, supplies or any costs unrelated to direct care.
- Services purchased before approval, after approval ends or outside the client’s zone of residence.
- Services provided while the client is in hospital or a facility bed.
How to Apply for CDHCI
Once the case manager confirms that CDHCI is appropriate, you or your CDHCI manager will need to complete several administrative steps:
- Sign a Consent to Disclose Information form and provide any documentation confirming the authority of your CDHCI manager.
- Sign the CDHCI Letter of Agreement issued by AHS. This letter sets out your approved hours, start date and Alberta Blue Cross customer number.
- Select a service provider from the registered vendor list maintained by Alberta Blue Cross (see the next section for tips on choosing).
- Direct your care according to the care plan and arrange a backup plan for missed visits.
- Pay any charges beyond the AHS authorized hours and hourly rate and track services used.
- Notify AHS and Alberta Blue Cross of changes to your condition, address, contact information or periods without a provider.
Choosing a CDHCI Provider
Alberta Blue Cross hosts a public registry of all approved CDHCI providers. The registry lists each provider’s minimum consecutive hours per visit, estimated hourly rate, languages spoken and contact details.
Steps to finding the right provider
- Access the vendor list. Visit the Alberta Blue Cross CDHCI page or navigate from the Resources tab on ab.bluecross.ca.
- Ask the right questions. When contacting agencies, clarify who will be your main contact and how schedules will be communicated. Confirm that staff are trained to provide the authorized services and check references if necessary.
- Consider language and cultural fit. Providers may list languages spoken; choose one that aligns with your preferences.
- Understand financial terms. Ask about minimum visit lengths and hourly rates. Remember that any cost above the AHS maximum or outside approved hours is your responsibility.
- Switch providers if necessary. You can change or switch providers at any time to find a better fit.
Responsibilities and Expectations
CDHCI is a self‑directed model. Participants (or their managers) are responsible for:
- Directing day‑to‑day care according to the approved care plan.
- Arranging backup coverage when a caregiver is absent.
- Paying for charges beyond approved hours and rates.
- Communicating changes in condition or contact details to AHS and Alberta Blue Cross.
- Reviewing and researching providers. AHS does not evaluate or guarantee the quality of registered providers, so clients must ensure that the agency meets their standards.
Providers must meet certain standards to protect client safety. Alberta Blue Cross requires providers to ensure employees have a valid criminal record check (including vulnerable sector search) and are not family members of the client. They must maintain specific types and amounts of insurance, such as workers’ compensation, commercial general liability, automobile and professional liability coverage. Although these requirements are geared toward providers, they give clients confidence that approved agencies operate within a framework of accountability.
What Happens After Approval?
Working with your provider – Pinnacle Age Well Ltd.
Once you have chosen a provider, you’ll schedule and direct your care based on your AHS‑approved hours. Providers submit their claims to Alberta Blue Cross for reimbursement. Any additional fees or overtime charges are settled directly between you and the provider.
Monitoring your care
AHS case managers continue to reassess your needs regularly and adjust your care plan when necessary. Monthly hours reset on the first day of each month and unused hours cannot be carried forward. If you are hospitalized or transition to facility‑based care, CDHCI ends.
Resolving concerns
Most concerns should be discussed directly with your chosen provider, as they are best suited to resolve client issues. If you believe a provider has violated the Continuing Care Act, you can contact the Continuing Care Licensing Office at 1‑888‑357‑9339 or CCLO@gov.ab.ca. For concerns about AHS case management or other health services, Alberta Health Services’ Patient Relations department can be reached at 1‑855‑550‑2555, and the Health Advocate at 780‑422‑1812 offers additional support.
Keeping Your Information Up‑to‑Date
The Continuing Care Act and program guidelines evolve over time. As of November 2024 the AHS CDHCI brochure outlines expectations and contact information[52]. Always check the latest resources on the Alberta Blue Cross and AHS websites for updates. At Pinnacle Age Well we monitor policy changes and update our clients accordingly.
Conclusion
CDHCI empowers Albertans to remain at home while choosing and directing their own care. If you or a loved one are considering CDHCI, our care coordinators at Pinnacle Age Well can help you navigate the assessment, application and provider selection process. We also offer home‑care services approved under CDHCI and have team members who speak multiple languages. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey toward safer, more independent living.
https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/pdfs/CDHCI-provider-program-guide.pdf