| May 2010 | |||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA
New Seniors Drug Plan: Implementation of
the proposed New Seniors Drug Plan that would have taken
effect on July 2010 has been delayed. The reason is that we need
more time to make legislative and regulatory changes and to ensure
this program aligns with other programs for seniors. For example,
the Drug Program Act was passed last year, but not proclaimed
yet because the regulations have not been finalized. We are not
reversing a decision, but rather delaying the proposed implementation
date primarily because of the legislative and regulatory changes
needed, which are taking more time to complete than first envisioned.
The existing program will continue in its current form. In other
words, Albertans 65+ years are eligible for coverage under the existing
plan, which includes a co-payment of 30% of each prescription’s
cost to a maximum of $25 per prescription. It also includes coverage
for prescription drugs, ambulance services, clinical psychological
services and home nursing care. Should you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact me or alternatively you may contact Alberta
Blue Cross at 1-800-661-6995 should you have questions about their
existing drug program coverage. Alberta Works Update: Recently there have been adjustments made to the Alberta Works programs. There are three categories of income support recipients: Expected to Work, Not Expected to Work and Learners. The adjustments will affect some core Learner benefits and some supplementary benefits available to all three categories. I wish to assure you that the Government of Alberta is not cutting income support core benefits for Expected to Work and Not Expected to Work clients. Rather, we are adjusting the core benefits for learners, or people who are in job training programs. We are realigning benefits and making sure every dollar is being spent as efficiently as possible. We saw discrepancies in the different levels of funding we offered our learners. We changed those differences to make our learner program fair for everyone. The Employment Maintenance Allowance is being amalgamated into the Employment and Training Transition Supports benefit, which assists with costs for items needed to work, such as work boots and bus passes. Both programs are similar in that they provide financial supports to help clients remain employed. The Employment Maintenance Allowance provided $120 a year to clients with children. Clients who have specific employment or training expenses will have access to a maximum of $500 per calendar year under the Employment and Training Transition Supports benefit.
A special thanks 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.
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