In this post, we review upcoming changes to Alberta's Seniors Drug Plan taking effect March 1, 2020.
Alberta’s Senior Drug plan is a premium-free, tax-funded government program that provides seniors with drug coverage. Seniors pay 30% of the drug expenses under this program to a maximum of $25 per prescription.
Effective 1 March 2020, Albertans must be 65 years or older to qualify for the benefit. No other province in Canada provides free drug coverage to non-seniors.
What is changing? Previously, when one spouse turned 65, the other spouse also qualified for the Seniors Drug program, regardless of their age.
What do you need to know? Plan members who may qualify for the Senior’s drug program under a spouse will now be using the group plan as first payor for their own drug expenses only.
What steps should you take: If your plan includes an annual drug maximum, remind employees about the Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group plan, which provides similar coverage at affordable premiums.
About the Senior’s Drug Plan
About the Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Plan