Alberta Bill 11: drug and health benefit changes effective October 1

What’s changing

Coverage for actively employed members age 65+
Drug and select health benefit coverage for actively employed Alberta members age 65 or older cannot be stopped or reduced solely because of age.

This requirement applies to drug and select health coverage. It does not apply to life, disability, dental, travel insurance, Health Care Spending Accounts or Lifestyle Spending Accounts.
 
Alberta government coverage becomes payor of last resort
For members who have both private coverage and applicable Alberta government coverage, the private plan must be billed first before the government plan pays.
 
What this means for plan administrators
These changes may affect how benefits are coordinated for some Alberta members and may increase the amount paid through the plan. The impact will vary by plan.

Pacific Blue Cross is reviewing the changes required to support the new requirements and will provide further direction where applicable.
 
If you have questions about how these changes may apply to a specific client, please contact your Pacific Blue Cross representative