Healthcare Premiums

In the 2008/09 provincial budget, the government announced what Albertans have been waiting for - the end to health care premiums. This is great news for Albertans. The government made a responsible decision with our fiscal prosperity and gave Albertans this $500 to $1000 per year break. Although, we can all look forward to premium-free health care services in this province, we are still required to pay premiums until the effective date of January 1, 2009. Registration will also remain unchanged. Alberta Health and Wellness still needs to register newcomers to the province. We are expecting over 90,000 new Albertans this year alone. Until January 1/09 the payment and collection of premiums will operate under these same guidelines:

• a) All Albertans are responsible to pay for premiums unless they qualify for premium assistance, government-sponsored income support programs, or are senior citizens;
• b) Employers and benefit administrators will be responsible to collect and remit premiums;
• c) Alberta Health and Wellness will pursue collections from those who fail to pay premiums;
• d) Premium assistance programs will continue to assist low-income Albertans in paying their premiums; and
• e) Contributors to Alberta Blue Cross or other supplementary insurance plans that provide vision, dental, and other extended coverage, will still be responsible for paying those premiums, as they will not be eliminated.

A special thanks to all my constituents who have taken the time to call, write and meet with me over the past several years. Your many well thought out comments and advice has been of immeasurable value to our Government and to all the people of Alberta. As always, my staff and I are available to answer any questions and/or concerns that you may have.

Public Consultations

Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625 and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.

See Alana's past Newsletters

As the MLA for Calgary Bow, I am always available to assist constituents. Should you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at:

Consituency Office (Calgary):   Edmonton: Toll-Free:

(403) 216-5400 (780) 415-9459 310-0000