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? If you previously qualified for the Seniors Drug Plan because your spouse is over the age of 65, your coverage will cease on March 1, 2020.
What steps should you take: If you don't have drug coverage through your employer, you may wish to seek alternative coverage such as the you should access the Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group plan.
You can also use our Find a Plan tool to find health coverage that meets your needs. More information about these programs is below.
About the Senior’s Drug Plan
About the Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Plan