Premiums elimination

What about the elimination of premiums in 2009?

1. When can I stop paying AHCIP premiums?

Effective January 1, 2009, Albertans are no longer required to pay AHCIP premiums.

2. What if I still have an outstanding balance after December 31, 2008?

Any AHCIP premiums owing up to the end of December 2008 remain your responsibility. You will need to pay your outstanding balance / arrears.

3. Why should I pay outstanding AHCIP premiums since they are eliminated?

All Albertans are responsible to pay AHCIP premiums (and any outstanding premiums, if applicable) unless they qualify for premium assistance, government sponsored income support programs, or are a senior citizen.

4. I can’t afford to pay my outstanding AHCIP premiums. Is there help?

Premium assistance programs are available to assist low-income Albertans in paying outstanding AHCIP premiums.

5. I have pre-paid my AHCIP premiums for a period beyond December 31, 2008. When will I get my refund?

Albertans who have pre-paid beyond December 31, 2008 will be advised as soon as possible when to expect a refund.

6. Is my Pre-authorized Payment Plan going to cancel on its own?

The last withdrawal for monthly AHCIP premiums through the Pre-authorized Payment Plan (PPP) will be December 15, 2008, for those whose premium account is current. For those who have a PPP arrangement to pay AHCIP premium arrears, the withdrawals will continue until the arrears are cleared.

7. I also pay Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums through the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan. Will that be cancelled?

PPP withdrawals for Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums will continue, as Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums are not being eliminated.

8. I have given Alberta Health and Wellness post-dated cheques for AHCIP premiums beyond December 31, 2008. What will happen to those cheques?

All post-dated cheques that are for AHCIP premiums beyond December 31, 2008 will be destroyed.

9. I have given Alberta Health and Wellness post-dated cheques that include both AHCIP premiums and Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums beyond December 31, 2008. What will happen to those cheques?

You can request Alberta Health and Wellness to destroy, return or cash post-dated cheques that include both AHCIP and Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums.

10. How will I know that my AHCIP premiums are fully paid up to December 31, 2008?

Albertans who are billed directly by the AHCIP will receive a final notification to confirm they are paid in full.

11. I pay Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums with my AHCIP premiums. Will my Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group coverage be free, too?

No. Those who also contribute to Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group coverage or other supplementary insurance plans that provide coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental, and other extended health services, will still be responsible for paying those premiums, as they will not be eliminated.

12. I’m a senior and I have premium-free coverage for extended health care (Alberta Blue Cross for Seniors). Are you eliminating this for seniors?

No, this is not being affected in any way.