Alberta Seniors Benefit:

In 1994, the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) replaced four programs: the Property Tax Reduction Benefit, the Alberta Assured Income Plan, the Senior Citizens Renters Assistance Program, and the Health Care Insurance Premium Waiver for Seniors. The following programs remain available and accessible to seniors: the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Seniors, Alberta Aids to Daily Living, the Community Rehabilitation Program, the Home Care Program, Long-Term Care, the Senior Citizens Self-Contained Program, the Senior Citizens Lodge Program, the Home Adaptation Program, and the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Program (new in 1995). These 1994 changes were part of a policy direction to provide assistance to those who need it most. There is no doubt that in the past decade, the Alberta Government was faced with some very tough decisions to ensure the future sustainability of our programs. Income eligibility thresholds for Health Care Insurance premium exemptions have been increased on three occasions since February 2001. In 2002/03, total expenditures in this program was approximately $155 million, as compared to $120 million in 1995/96. ASB cash benefits and eligibility thresholds are the highest in Canada. In March, 2003, about 109,000 seniors (or 34% of Alberta seniors) were receiving Guaranteed Income Support (GIS), in contrast to approximately 125,000 seniors (or 39% of Alberta seniors) who were receiving a cash benefit from the ASB program. The current ASB maximum benefit is $235 per month. Long-term care Albertans also saw an increase in their assistance. The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit (SAB) ensures that all seniors in long-term care who receive monthly cash benefits through the ASB program retain a minimum of $265 in disposable income after the cost of semi-private accommodation is paid. Currently, the SAB provides over $28 million in additional funding to approximately 8,000 eligible seniors in long-term care. The Ministry of Seniors also increased ASB cash benefits for seniors residing in provincially funded lodges. Moreover, the Ministry enhanced the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (SNAFS) program to offset the cancellation of the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) program, and to provide dental and optical supports to low-income seniors. Under the EHB program, average assistance was equal to approximately 30% of the total dental or optical charges; the senior paid the balance. Eligible low-income seniors receive 100% reimbursement for their dental expenses up to a lifetime maximum of $5,000. These seniors can also receive up to $250 for optical expenses and there are no restrictions on the number of eyeglasses funded per benefit year or in a lifetime. The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (SNAFS) program is the only financial assistance program of its kind in Canada. SNAFS has enabled the Ministry of Seniors to provide a number of benefits in response to changing circumstances and seniors’ specific situations. Overall, the SNAFS program provided lump-sum payments for extraordinary or emergency expenses of between $50 and $5,000 to approximately 17,000 seniors. Total expenditures in this program was approximately $23.7 million. As well, the Ministry of Seniors provided over $53 million in capital funding to facilitate over 1,900 affordable supportive housing units for seniors through the Healthy Aging Partnership Initiative, and the Seniors Supportive Housing Incentive Program, between 1999 and 2003. The Ministry has streamlined many of the administrative procedures to allow a more straightforward application process. Information concerning services and benefits and assistance with application forms is available through a variety of media, including the Ministry of Seniors’ toll-free information line, web site, and seniors information service centers located throughout the province. New sustainable ways to further support seniors through the elimination of health-care premiums for most seniors are being examined, as is additional assistance to alleviate the pressures of rising property taxes. At the same time, the Ministry continues to strive to maintain program flexibility and responsiveness, enabling seniors to help maintain their well-being and independence for as long as possible.

Furnace:

Albertans wishing to replace their old furnaces with an Energy Star energy-efficient model are eligible for rebates up to $400 between Jan. 19 and Mar. 31/04. To find out more about this rebate, please call my constituency office or visit online or call 1-866-372-0999. As this is a pilot project, only 3,000 rebates will be processed in order of date received. This program does not apply to commercial properties or other heating systems.

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