Prescription drug program – Seniors
On March 31, 2010, government announced that proposed changes to Alberta's seniors' drug plan, scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2010, have been delayed.
- Read the news release
On April 23, 2009, the Alberta government announced a revised drug plan for seniors.
- Read the news release
- Read the Spring 2009 Seniors' Health Bulletin
from Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Blue Cross.
Coverage for seniors – Current
Premium-free coverage for seniors is available to all Albertans 65 years of age and older and their dependants. This coverage is also available to all recipients of the Alberta Widows' Pension and their dependants.The definition of dependants has changed as a result of the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act. Our brochures have been updated to reflect these changes.
To qualify for drug coverage under this plan, you must be:
- 65 years of age or older, or be the spouse or adult interdependant partner of a person 65 years of age or older;
- A resident of Alberta;
- Registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and have not opted out of the plan; and
- The senior on the account must have submitted his/her proof of age to either Alberta Health and Wellness or to Alberta Seniors and Community Supports.
An information package will be automatically sent to you 60 days before your 65th birthday.
Under Coverage for Seniors, seniors are eligible for over 4,000 medications listed in the Alberta Health and Wellness Drug Benefit List.
- Seniors will be asked to pay 30 per cent of the cost, to a maximum of $25, for each drug prescribed. If a more expensive brand name drug is requested instead of an equivalent generic drug, the senior will be asked to pay the additional cost.
