What to expect?
Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans have universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services.
Any medication, dental and vision coverage or massage or chiropractic services covered by your current employer benefits plan may become out-of-pocket expenses for you when you retire. Depending on your individual needs, you might require a retirement benefits plan to supplement government-sponsored coverage.
There is coverage available through various government plans, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, the Alberta Adult Health Benefit, the Coverage for Seniors program and Non-Group Coverage program.
Learn about health and dental benefit plansWhat is the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible Albertans with coverage for medically necessary physician visits, hospital procedures and standard ward accommodation, as well as some dental and oral surgical health services. To be covered for insured health services in Albertan, you must be registered with AHCIP.
Products and services not covered through the AHCIP include the following:
- Health services from a provider other than a physician, such as a chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, homeopath, nutritionist, psychologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
- Vision care, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and routine eye exams, for Albertans 19 to 64 years of age.
- Dentures and routine dental care services, such as cleaning, fillings and wisdom teeth.
- Prescription drugs—learn more about drug coverage and services.
- Ambulance services.
What benefits can you get when you retire?
Through the Coverage for Seniors program, the government offers Albertans aged 65 years and older premium-free coverage for prescriptions drugs and other health-related services not covered under the AHCIP. If you’re looking to retire early, the Government of Alberta Non-Group Coverage program provides supplementary health benefits, for an economical monthly premium, to AHCIP-registered Albertans under 65 and their dependents for a variety of health-related services not covered by the AHCIP.
While ACHIP manages eligibility and registration for government health benefits, Alberta Blue Cross® administers a variety of programs on behalf of the Government of Alberta including the Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage programs.
The Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage programs don’t provide travel insurance. If you’re planning to travel outside the province or country, it’s recommended you purchase travel insurance to cover any emergency hospital or medical expenses.
Learn what to consider when choosing coverageWhat happens when you turn 65?
When AHCIP records indicate an Albertan will be turning 65, a package is mailed to the address on their AHCIP file providing information about programs and services for seniors. If you don’t receive a package when you turn 65, or if you have further questions, you can contact the AHCIP office.
Learn more about Coverage for Seniors at Alberta.caLooking to supplement your government-sponsored programs?
Depending on your individual needs and your age of retirement, provincial coverage may not be enough when you retire. Benefits providers offer a range of plans to complement government coverage and help with travel insurance, prescription drug coverage and paramedical expenses.
Find ways to get more coverage
We have flexible plan options that provide you and your family with the coverage you need. For example, our retiree plan and Blue Assured® plan both include prescription drug, dental and extended health benefits, as well as travel coverage.
Below are a few questions that will help you with selecting a plan
- Are your current medications covered under the plan you’re considering?
- What paramedical and medical devices do you need?
- Will you be transitioning off an employer health plan?
- Do you require dental maintenance and dentures?
- How much do you plan on traveling?
Want to supplement your coverage?
Depending on your individual needs and your age of retirement, you may want to consider supplementing your provincial coverage with a retirement benefits plan to cover expenses for drugs, dental, travel or paramedical services. We have flexible plan options that provide you and your family with the coverage you need. For example, our retiree plan is available to those aged 50 years and above or for those under 64, there’s our Blue Choice® plan and our Blue Assured® plan is available for all ages.
Member plans
Learn more about Alberta Blue Cross® health and dental plans
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