Seniors programs and services - Information guide July 2021
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Seniors programs and services Information guide July 2021
PHONE: Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 TTY users may access information on Government of Alberta programs at: Province-wide: 1-800-232-7215 In Edmonton: 780-427-9999 ONLINE: seniors-housing.alberta.ca/submit-documents MAIL: Seniors and Housing PO Box 3100 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3 Fax: 780-422-5954 WEBSITE: alberta.ca Seniors and Housing, © 2021 Government of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Seniors and Housing July 2021 Seniors programs and services information guide The information provided is subject to the provisions of the pertinent Government Acts and Regulations. Changes to programs, services, and office locations may occur after the publication of the booklet. Permission is granted to reprint this document. ISBN 978 0 7785 6820 9 ii Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide
Table of contents
Income support programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Provincial government programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Federal government programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Provincial government programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Finding accommodation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Government contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Alberta Supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Government of Alberta Contact Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Service Alberta Contact Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Contacting your MLA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Government of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Alberta Ombudsman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Alberta’s health advocates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Utilities Consumer Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Health services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Coverage for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Continuing care services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Alberta Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Community agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Funding opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Meals on Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Protecting you and your information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Elder abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Protection for Persons in Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Continuing Care Facility Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Continuing Care Health Services Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Supportive living and long–term care accommodation standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Resident and family councils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alberta Human Rights Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Service Alberta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Canada Revenue Agency - Scams and Fraud warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Alberta Securities Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
continued
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 1
Table of contents, continued
Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Bus passes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Seniors driving services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Alberta Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Alberta Motor Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Parking Placards for Persons with Disabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Congratulatory messages for seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Message from the Queen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Message from the Governor General of Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Message from the Prime Minister of Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Message from the Premier of Alberta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Birth, marriage and death certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lawyer referral service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Local information and referral centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Money Mentors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Advance care planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power of attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Funeral planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Last will and testament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Recreation and leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Alberta 55 Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Historic Sites and Cultural Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Provincial parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Fishing licences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Seniors’ Tour of the Alberta Legislature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Quick reference list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2 Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide
Income support programs
Income support programs
Provincial government programs
Seniors Financial Assistance Alberta Seniors Benefit
programs The Alberta Seniors Benefit program provides a
The Government of Alberta offers the following monthly income supplement to federal income
financial assistance programs for seniors: sources including Old Age Security (OAS) and
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
• Alberta Seniors Benefit
• Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Eligibility for a benefit is determined by:
• Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors • the type of accommodation you live in
• Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program • your marital/cohabitation status
• Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program • your income (combined with your spouse/
partner’s income if applicable)
You should receive a Seniors Financial
• receiving the federal OAS pension (i.e., having
Assistance application package in the mail six
lived in Canada for 10 years)
months before your 65th birthday. If you do not,
apply online at sfa.alberta.ca, or call the Alberta
Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992. General eligibility
In general, a single senior with an annual income
The Seniors Financial Assistance application of $29,285 or less, and senior couples with a
form will help you access the Alberta Seniors combined annual income of $47,545 or less, may
Benefit, Special Needs Assistance for Seniors be eligible for a cash benefit.
program, and Alberta Health’s Dental/Optical
Assistance for Seniors programs. You need only These income levels are guidelines only, and are
apply once. for seniors whose income includes a full OAS
pension.
A separate application and agreement form
must be completed to access the Seniors Home Supplementary Accommodation Benefit
Adaptation and Repair and Seniors Property Tax
Deferral Programs. The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit
supports eligible seniors who reside in a
General eligibility designated supportive living or long-term care
facility with monthly accommodation charges.
You are eligible to apply for the seniors financial The amount received is based on:
assistance programs, if you:
• are 65 years of age or older • total income (line 15000 of the previous
year’s income tax return), combined with their
• have lived in Alberta for at least three months spouse/partner’s income (regardless of age);
immediately before applying
• the maximum monthly accommodation
• are a Canadian citizen, or have been admitted charge as set by Alberta Health;
into Canada for permanent residence (landed
or sponsored immigrant) • the monthly disposable income amount of
$322 (used for personal expenses such as
If you meet all of the above eligibility personal hygiene, telephone, cable, etc).
requirements, your level of assistance will be
determined based upon the specific criteria for
each program.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 3
Income support programs
For couples, family income is combined and General eligibility
divided equally (50:50) before applying the single To be considered for the dental and optical
income threshold. Individuals whose monthly assistance programs, you must have completed
income from all sources is less than the current the Seniors Financial Assistance application
private room rate may receive a benefit. form. A single senior with a total annual income
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit of $31,675 or less, or a senior couple with a
is combined with the Alberta Seniors Benefit. total combined income of $63,350 or less, may
Seniors with low income not eligible for the receive assistance. The amount of coverage you
federal Old Age Security pension, who are receive is based on your total annual income (line
residents of designated supportive living and 15000 of your personal tax form as reported to
long-term care facilities, are considered for the the Canada Revenue Agency in the previous tax
benefit. year).
How it works
Special Needs Assistance
Prior to receiving a dental or optical service,
for Seniors
it is important to ask your service provider to
The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors submit a predetermination (cost estimate) to the
program provides seniors with low income Alberta Dental Service Corporation (www.adsc.
financial assistance toward a range of expenses org) for dental claims and/or Alberta Blue Cross
including appliances and specific health and (www.ab.bluecross.ca) for optical claims. Your
personal supports. A senior’s total annual service provider can quickly check how much
income and the expense requested are used to your coverage will pay towards your service and
determine the amount funded. The maximum identify the amount you may be responsible for
assistance available is $5,105 in a benefit year paying. Your plan may not cover the full cost of
(July to June). the service or your provider may charge more
than the maximum fee allowed by your plan.
General eligibility Please ensure the claim form is complete and it
To be considered for the Special Needs includes your personal health number.
Assistance for Seniors program, you must have
Complete the reimbursement claim form and
completed the Seniors Financial Assistance
mail to the address on the form or:
application form. You may then send the Special
Needs Assistance for Seniors program a receipt Dental: Submit the claim directly to the Alberta
or estimate for the expense requested. A single Dental Services Corporation by creating an
senior with a total annual income of $29,285 or online account at my.adsc.org/login. Your
less, or a senior couple with a total combined account will also inform you of your remaining
annual income of $47,545 or less may receive balance, tell you if a previous claim has been
assistance. paid, and allow you to update your address or
banking information.
Dental and Optical Assistance
Optical: Submit the claim directly to Alberta
for Seniors
Blue Cross by creating an online account at
The Dental Assistance for Seniors program ab.bluecross.ca/forms.php. Your account will
provides basic dental coverage, to a maximum of also inform you if your claim has been paid.
$5,000 every five years.
Additional information regarding these
The Optical Assistance for Seniors program programs can be found at:
provides assistance toward the purchase of Website: alberta.ca/dental-optical-assistance-
prescription eyeglasses to a maximum of $230 seniors.aspx
every three years.
4 Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide
Income support programs
For information about optical claims, Interest
or to download a claim form, contact: Simple interest (not compounded) will be
Alberta Blue Cross charged once a loan is approved. The interest
Toll-free: 1-800-661-6995 rate is variable and is reviewed twice a year
Edmonton area: 780-498-8000 in April and October and may be adjusted
Calgary area: 403-234-9666 accordingly.
Website: ab.bluecross.ca
How to apply
For information about dental claims, or to
download a claim form, contact: You must complete and submit a Seniors Home
Alberta Dental Service Corporation Adaptation and Repair Program application form
Toll-free: 1-800-232-1997 to apply to the program.
Edmonton area: 780-426-7526 For an application form or for information
Fax: 780-426-7581 on the current interest rate, contact:
Website: adsc.org Alberta Supports Contact Centre
Toll-free: 1-877-644‑9992
The Seniors Home Adaptation Website: alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance.
and Repair Program aspx
The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair To contact the Seniors Home Adaptation
Program is a low-interest home equity loan and Repair Program:
program to help senior homeowners finance Alberta Seniors and Housing
home repairs, adaptations and renovations. PO Box 1050 Stn Main
Examples include but are not limited to; Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1
plumbing, heating, electrical, tree removal,
windows, roof repairs, widening doorways and Seniors Property Tax
stair lifts. The program provides a maximum
loan amount of $40,000 and will be repaid upon
Deferral Program
the sale of the property, or earlier if you wish. The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
Monthly payments are not required. allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all
or part of their annual residential property taxes
General eligibility through a low-interest home equity loan with
the Government of Alberta. If you qualify, the
To qualify for a loan under this program you must
program will pay your residential property taxes
meet the following criteria:
directly to your municipality on your behalf. You
• you must be age 65 years or older repay the loan, with interest, when you sell the
• be an Alberta resident for at least three home, or sooner if you wish. Monthly payments
months are not required.
• have an annual household income of $75,000
or less General eligibility
• have at least 25 per cent equity after the loan To qualify, your home must be your primary
is applied residence, where you live most of the time, and
This means all charges registered against your you must have a minimum of 25 per cent equity
home in a land titles office cannot exceed in your home. This means all charges registered
75 per cent of your home’s assessed value, as against your home in a land titles office cannot
shown on your municipal assessment. exceed 75 per cent of your home’s assessed
value, as shown on your municipal assessment.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 5
Income support programs
Interest
Interest charges start from the date the program
Federal government
pays your residential property taxes on your programs
behalf to your municipality and ends when your
loan has been repaid in full. The interest rate The Government of Canada administers the Old
is variable and is reviewed twice a year in April Age Security Pension, the Guaranteed Income
and October and may be adjusted accordingly. Supplement and the Canada Pension Plan.
The program charges simple (not compounded)
interest.
Old Age Security pension
How to apply
To be eligible for the federal Old Age Security
You must complete and submit a Seniors Property pension (OAS), you must:
Tax Deferral program application form to apply • be at least age 65
to the program. All registered owners must sign (you do not need to be retired)
the application form. You may apply at any
• be a legal resident of Canada
time, however, to avoid late penalties, senior
homeowners are encouraged to apply as early as • have lived a minimum of 10 years in Canada
possible before their residential property taxes are after the age of 18
due.
You should apply for your OAS pension right
For an application form away if you do not receive a notification letter
or for more information, contact: from Service Canada advising of automatic
Alberta Supports Contact Centre enrolment the month after you turn 64 years old
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992 and wish to start receiving your OAS pension at
Website: alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance. age 65.
aspx
If you are 65 years of age or older and are not
To contact the Seniors Property Tax Deferral covered by the conditions above, you may still
program: qualify for a pension since Canada has social
Alberta Seniors and Housing security agreements with many countries. Call
PO Box 1200 Stn Main Service Canada for information.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M4
For more information, call:
Toll-free: 1-800-277-9914
Income support for non‑seniors TTY: 1-800-255-4786
Income support for non-seniors is available Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
through Alberta Works and the Assured Income Website: servicecanada.gc.ca
for the Severely Handicapped programs.
Online services are available at: canada.ca/en/
For more information, contact: employment-social-development/services/my-
Alberta Supports Contact Centre account/cpp-oas.html
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
Website: alberta.ca/alberta-supports.aspx
6 Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide
Income support programs
Guaranteed Income Supplement • You are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) • You reside in Canada and have resided in
provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to Old Canada for at least 10 years since the age
Age Security pension recipients who have low of 18.
income and are living in Canada. You qualify • Your and your spouse or common-law
for the GIS if you meet all of the following partner’s annual combined income from
conditions: the previous year is less than the maximum
allowable annual threshold.
• You are receiving an Old Age Security
pension. The Allowance for the Survivor is available to
• Your annual income (or in the case of a widowed spouses or surviving common-law
couple, your combined income) is less than partners who have little or no other income and
the maximum annual threshold. who are between the ages of 60 and 64.
Using your income information from your Federal You may qualify for the Allowance for the
Income Tax and Benefit Return, your eligibility Survivor if you meet all of the following
for the GIS will be reviewed every year. If you still conditions:
qualify, your benefit will automatically be renewed. • You are aged 60 to 64 (includes the month of
In July, you will receive a letter telling you one of your 65th birthday).
the following:
• You are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident.
• Your benefit will be renewed.
• You reside in Canada and have resided in
• Your benefit will be stopped.
Canada for at least 10 years since the age
• Your income information is required. of 18.
If you do not receive a letter from Service • Your spouse or common-law partner has died
Canada informing you that you were selected for and you have not remarried or entered into a
OAS/GIS automatic enrolment, you must submit common-law relationship.
a GIS application. If you are already receiving the • Your annual income is less than the maximum
OAS pension and wish to be considered for GIS, annual threshold.
you must submit an application.
People who may be eligible for the Allowance
Allowance/Allowance for the or Allowance for the Survivor should apply six
to 11 months before their 60th birthday. It may
Survivor be applied for any time between ages 60 and 64
The Allowance is paid to the spouse or common- and can continue until the age of 65.
law partner of a senior receiving the Guaranteed
Income Supplement. You may qualify for the To continue receiving the Allowance or Allowance
Allowance if you meet all of the following for the Survivor, you must file an income tax
conditions: return by April 30 each year. If you continue to
be eligible, your Allowance or Allowance for the
• You are aged 60 to 64.
Survivor will automatically be renewed. If you
• Your spouse or common-law partner receives do not file your return, you must complete a
an Old Age Security pension and is eligible for Statement of Income form.
the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 7
Income support program
Canada Pension Plan
The Government of Canada administers
the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). You The most applicable CPP benefits for seniors
contribute to the CPP through employment or are:
self‑employment. Retirement pension
For more information, call: You may be eligible for a retirement pension
Toll-free: 1-800-277-9914 if you worked and have made at least one
TTY: 1-800-255-4786 valid contribution to the CPP. The pension
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. may start at age 65, as early as the month
Website: servicecanada.gc.ca following your 60th birthday, at a reduced
rate, or as late as age 70 at an increased rate.
Online services are available at: canada.ca/en/
employment-social-development/services/my- Post-retirement benefit
account/cpp-oas.html If you continue to work while receiving your
CPP retirement pension, and are under the
age of 70, you can continue to participate
in the CPP. Your CPP contributions will go
toward post-retirement benefits, which will
increase your retirement income.
Disability benefits
If you become severely disabled to the extent
that you cannot work at any job on a regular
basis, you may receive a monthly benefit.
Survivor’s pension
The survivor pension is a monthly pension
paid to the surviving spouse or common-law
partner of a deceased contributor.
Death benefit
The CPP death benefit is a one-time payment
to, or on behalf of, the estate of a deceased
CPP contributor.
Children’s benefit
The children’s benefit is a monthly benefit for
dependant children of a disabled or deceased
contributor. Children must be younger than
18, or if 18 to 25, must be in school full time.
For information on other CPP benefits,
contact Service Canada at:
Toll-free:1-800-277-9914
Website: servicecanada.gc.ca
8 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideHousing
Housing
Provincial government programs
Seniors Lodge Program For assistance contacting a housing
management body, contact:
The Seniors Lodge Program offers private
Alberta Supports Contact Centre
rooms for the use of seniors who do not desire
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
to maintain or are not capable of maintaining
Website: alberta.ca/alberta-supports.aspx
their own home. Supports provided in the
Lodge Program include meals, housekeeping
and recreational opportunities. A seniors lodge Seniors Apartments
may be appropriate for those whose care needs Also known as the Seniors Self-contained
would not otherwise be appropriately provided Housing Program, this program provides
for in a health care facility. apartment-style housing to seniors who are able
to live independently with or without assistance
Applicants must be over 65 years of age.
of community based services and have an
Exceptions may be made for applicants with
income below local income limits.
special circumstances. In addition, applicants
must be functionally independent, with or without Applicants must be over 65 years of age,
the assistance of community based services. however, exceptions may be made for applicants
under 65 with special circumstances. A tenant’s
Management and resident selection rent, which includes heat, water and sewer
responsibilities belong to local housing providers; expenses, is based on 30% of a household’s
however, applicants are prioritized for admission adjusted income. Rent does not include
based on criteria, including income. electricity, phone, TV and any additional services
Each local housing provider sets their own such as parking.
lodge rates, and rates vary between regions. Management and tenant selection responsibilities
Regardless of the monthly lodge rate, each belong to local housing providers.
resident must be left with at least $322 in
monthly disposable income. A searchable list of housing and housing
management bodies is available at:
For more information about the Seniors alberta.ca/affordable-housing-programs.aspx
Lodge Program, contact:
Alberta Seniors and Housing For more information about the seniors
PO Box 927 self‑contained housing program, contact:
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L8 Alberta Seniors and Housing:
PO Box 927
Alberta Supports Contact Centre: Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L8
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
TTY Toll-Free: 1-800-232-7215 Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
TTY Edmonton: 780-427-9999 Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
Website: alberta.ca/affordable-housing- TTY Toll-Free: 1-800-232-7215
programs.aspx TTY Edmonton: 780-427-9999
Website: alberta.ca/affordable-housing-
Your local housing management body has programs.aspx
detailed information about seniors’ lodges in
your area.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 9Housing
Residential Access Modification Housing registries for seniors are located at:
Program (RAMP) CALGARY
The Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) Kerby Centre
provides grants to help lower-income Albertans with 1133 - 7 Avenue SW
mobility challenges modify their homes so they can Calgary, Alberta T2P 1B2
enter and move around more easily. Phone: 403-705-3230
Website: kerbycentre.com
For more information contact:
RAMP EDMONTON
PO Box 808, Edmonton Main SAGE
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L4 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW
Phone: 1-877-427-5760 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2E5
E-mail: css.ramp@gov.ab.ca Phone: 780-423-5510
Website: alberta.ca/residential-access- E-mail: info@Mysage.ca
modification-program.aspx Website: mysage.ca
EDMONTON INDIGENOUS SENIORS CENTRE
Cottage E
Finding accommodation 10107 - 134 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5E 1J2
Phone: 587-525-8969
Seniors housing registries
If a housing registry is not available in your area,
Provincial Seniors Housing Directory
contact:
The Alberta Seniors & Community Housing
Association (ASCHA) has a free online provincial • your local information centre, listed on pages
housing directory, which allows for searches by 37 – 38
location, organization, project, support services • a Family and Community Support Services
and application criteria. Office, listed in your telephone directory
For more information: • the Alberta Supports Contact Centre, listed on
Phone: 780-439-6473 page 12
Website: ascha.com
Local registries
Housing registries have lists of senior citizens
apartments, lodges and management
bodies. They can also help you find private
accommodation.
10 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideHousing
Supportive living and long‑term care Landlord and tenant information
public reporting information The Residential Tenancies Act identifies how a
The Government of Alberta is responsible to landlord or tenant may end a tenancy, how and
oversee the provision of services in Alberta’s when rent can be increased, remedies available
continuing care accommodations. to landlords and tenants and security deposit
requirements.
Alberta Health monitors all licensed supportive
living and long-term care accommodations for For more information or to obtain a copy of
compliance to the Accommodation Standards the tip sheet Information for Landlords and
and the requirements of the Resident and Information for Tenants, contact Service
Family Councils Act. The Accommodation Alberta at:
Standards support the provision of high quality Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088
accommodation services (e.g., meals, building Edmonton: 780-427-4088
maintenance, security and housekeeping) that Website: alberta.ca/information-tenants-
promote the safety, security and quality of life landlords.aspx
of Albertans living in those accommodations.
The Resident and Family Councils Act is
intended to support residents and their families
in establishing an effective Resident and Family
Council.
This website provides current information
about compliance and complaints related to
the above in supportive living and long-term
care accommodations to help Albertans make
informed decisions.
For more information on compliance:
Compliance and Monitoring Branch
Phone: 780-644-8428
Website: standardsandlicensing.alberta.ca
For information on supportive living and long-
term care, please see pages 22 – 24
and page 29.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 11Government contacts
Government contacts
Alberta Supports
Alberta Supports connects seniors, persons Example: If you are calling Alberta Health from
with disabilities, lower-income Albertans, and outside the Edmonton area, dial toll-free
children and youth with benefits and services 310-0000, and then 780-427-1432.
that can assist with daily living; employment and (In Edmonton, dial 780-427-1432 directly.)
training; abuse, bullying, homelessness and other For toll-free, province wide access from a cellular
emergency situations. Seniors can get information telephone, enter #310 (Telus/Bell)
about financial assistance and health benefit or *310 (for Rogers Wireless).
programs, housing resources, and much more.
Hearing impaired callers only
To access Alberta Supports: (requires TTY unit):
CALL Toll-free: 1-800-232-7215
Alberta Supports Contact Centre Edmonton: 780-427-9999
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
TDD/TTY toll-free: 1-800-232-7215
Office hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Service Alberta
(Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Contact Centre
Please have your personal health number ready
when calling. The Service Alberta Contact Centre provides
information to consumers about their rights
CLICK and responsibilities in the marketplace. It also
myAlbertaSupports.ca to find benefits and provides information and advice about consumer
services to meet your needs and apply online. complaints.
Consumer tip sheets are available, at no charge,
by calling the Service Alberta Contact Centre or
Government of Alberta visiting the department’s website.
Contact Centre For more information, contact:
Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088
Toll-free 310-0000 Edmonton: 780-427-4088
Website: alberta.ca/service-alberta.aspx
You can reach any provincial government
TTY users may access information on
program toll-free by calling the Government
Government of Alberta programs at:
of Alberta Contact Centre. Staff are available
Province-wide: 1-800-232-7215
to answer your questions and direct your calls
In Edmonton: 780-427-9999
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To use this
service anywhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000 and
enter the 10‑digit provincial telephone number
for the program you wish to contact, or dial zero,
or stay on the line for assistance.
Contacting your MLA
An online listing of MLAs and contact
information is located at:
streetkey.elections.ab.ca
12 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideGovernment contacts
Government of Canada recommendations and education for all
Albertans.
Service Canada Call Centre The Ombudsman:
For information regarding Old Age Security
• is impartial and independent from the
(OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
government
or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits, contact:
Toll-free: 1-800-277-9914 • is respected, influential and effective
TTY: 1-800-255-4786 • promotes standards of administrative fairness
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Website: servicecanada.gc.ca • is approachable and responsive
• provides services free of charge
Service Canada centres • does not advocate for the complainant or the
The federal government has offices throughout authority but recommends solutions that are
the province that you can visit to obtain fair for both sides
information about OAS and CPP benefits. For
information about the location nearest you or to Complaints can be submitted at
book an appointment to see a Service Delivery ombudsman.ab.ca through a confidential online
Agent, call the Service Canada Call Centre at complaint form or by email, fax or mail.
1-800-277-9914.
For more information contact:
Toll-free: 1-888-455-2756
Edmonton: 780-427-2756
Alberta Ombudsman Calgary: 403-297-6185
Website: ombudsman.ab.ca
Every Albertan has the right to be treated fairly Email: info@ombudsman.ab.ca
when trying to access public services. The
fundamental purpose of the Ombudsman is to
investigate complaints from citizens. Whether it Office of the Public
is a disagreement stemming from an important
decision or a delay in service, the Ombudsman’s
Guardian and Trustee
office listens to the issue and works toward a fair
outcome. The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
(OPGT) offers information and services about
Albertans may contact the Ombudsman with substitute decision‑making for adults who lack
complaints of unfair treatment by provincial decision-making capacity, including planning for
government authorities, municipalities, the the future with a personal directive and enduring
Patient Concerns Resolution Process of power of attorney.
Alberta Health Services, health professions and
other designated professional organizations. The OPGT may act as guardian and/or trustee for
The Ombudsman’s office ensures fair adults who lack the capacity to make their own
treatment through independent investigations, personal and/or financial decisions when there is
no other person able, willing, or suitable to take
on the role. The OPGT may also administer an
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 13Government contacts
personal and/or financial decisions when there is For more information on personal directives
no other person able, willing, or suitable to take and to download a form, visit:
on the role. The OPGT may also administer an alberta.ca/personal-directive.aspx.
estate if one of the beneficiaries is a minor child
or a represented adult client of the public trustee. Enduring power of attorney
In addition, the OPGT protects the assets of
minors (under 18 years) where required by law An enduring power of attorney is a legal
or where a minor is a beneficiary but there is no document you can use to appoint someone
trustee named. to make financial and legal decisions on your
behalf. A power of attorney is “enduring”
You can contact the OPGT for more information if it states its power continues after mental
and help with the decision making options listed incapacity or it can be written to only take effect
below. when mental capacity is lost. If you prepare this
document, there is no need for your family to
Supported decision making apply to be your trustee in the event you lose
capacity.
authorization
Adults with capacity can authorize a trusted For more information on the Office of the
person(s) to assist them with finding information, Public Guardian and Trustee, visit:
making decisions, and communicating their alberta.ca/office-public-guardian-trustee.aspx,
decisions. or contact the Office of the Public Guardian and
Trustee.
May be helpful for people who face complex
decisions or have difficulty communicating their Office of the Public Guardian
decisions to others. and Trustee locations
Co-decision making order NORTHERN ALBERTA
The adult has some capacity limitations but Grande Prairie Office
could make personal decisions with guidance Room 1501, Provincial Building
and support from someone else. 10320 99 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6J4
A co-decision making order may be appropriate Phone: 780-833-4319
if the assisted adult has a trusting, co-operative
relationship with their co-decision maker(s). Lloydminster Office
Main Floor Provincial Building
Guardianship and trusteeship orders 5124 - 50 Street
Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 0M3
Court-appointed substitute decision‑makers for Phone: 780-871-6490
adults who no longer have the capacity to make
personal and/or financial decisions on their own. St. Paul Office
318 Provincial Building
Personal directive 5025 - 49 Avenue, Box 409
St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A4
A personal directive is a legal document that
Phone: 780-645-6278
allows you to choose someone you trust to make
personal decisions on your behalf if, in the future, Edmonton Office (Public Guardian)
you lose your ability to do so because of illness 4th Floor, 108th Street Building
or injury. If you prepare this document, there 9942 - 108 Street NW
is no need for your family to apply to be your Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5
guardian in the event you lose capacity. Phone: 780-427-0017
14 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideGovernment contacts
Edmonton Office (Public Trustee)
4th Floor, Brownlee Building
10365 - 97 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3Z8
Phone: 780-427-2744
CENTRAL ALBERTA
Red Deer Office
Room 203, Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8
Phone: 403-340-5165
Calgary
900 Barclay Centre
444 - 7 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Phone: 403-297-3364 Health Advocate
SOUTHERN ALBERTA The Health Advocate promotes self-advocacy
and supports Albertans in dealing with their
Lethbridge Office concerns about health-related programs and
500 Professional Building services by:
740 - 4 Avenue S
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9 • Listening to Albertans, assisting them in
Phone: 403-381-5648 clearly identifying their concerns, looking
into their experience and supporting them in
Medicine Hat Office finding ways to resolve concerns.
Room 107, Provincial Building • Referring Albertans to the appropriate
346 - 3 Street SE complaints resolution process, person or
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G7 organization.
Phone: 403-529-3744
• Providing information about health-related
In all other areas of the province, call the services and programs.
Government of Alberta Contact Centre at • Reviewing or investigating complaints under
310-0000 to be connected toll-free. the Alberta Health Act.
• Providing education about the Alberta Health
Alberta’s health advocates Charter.
Office of the Alberta Health
Advocates
The Office of the Alberta Health Advocates is
comprised of the Mental Health Patient Advocate
(MHPA) and the Health Advocate. Together,
providing a single point of access for Albertans,
the Advocates help people by listening to health
service-related concerns and assisting them in
finding ways to resolve those concerns.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 15Government contacts
Mental Health Patient Advocate
The Mental Health Patient Advocate helps
Utilities Consumer
Albertans to understand and exercise their Advocate
rights under the Mental Health Act. Mental
health patient rights exist to help people who The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA)
are or have been detained in hospital under educates, advocates, and mediates for Alberta’s
Admission or Renewal Certificates, and people residential, farm, and small business electricity,
under Community Treatment Orders (CTO). The natural gas and water consumers. The UCA
MHPA provides assistance to patients and others educates through community outreach and
(including those acting on the patients’ behalf) by: advocates through representation at regulatory
• Listening to Albertans, assisting them in hearings.
clearly identifying their concerns, looking
The UCA’s mediation team is available to
into their experience and supporting them in
resolve disputes between consumers and utility
finding ways to resolve concerns.
companies and provide advice and information
• Conducting investigations into complaints on utility related issues like energy choice and
related to formal patients, person subject to a the charges on your utility bill.
CTO and patient rights.
If you have been unable to reach a resolution
• Providing information about mental health-
with your utility provider directly, the UCA will
related services and programs.
investigate on your behalf.
• Providing education about patient rights
under the Mental Health Act. Contact the UCA:
In Alberta: 310-4UCA (310-4822)
Outside of Alberta: 780-644-5130
For more information, the Office of the Alberta
E-mail: UCAhelps@gov.ab.ca
Health Advocates can be reached at:
Website: ucahelps.alberta.ca
Toll-free: 310-0000
Edmonton area: 780-422-1812
E-mail: info@albertahealthadvocates.ca
Website: albertahealthadvocates.ca
16 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideHealth services
Health services
Alberta Health Care
Insurance Plan
Eligibility
You must be registered for Alberta Health Care
Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage to receive
insured hospital and physician services.
Coverage is provided to eligible residents of
Alberta who meet the following criteria:
• legally entitled to be or to remain in Canada
and makes his/her permanent home in Alberta
• committed to being physically present in
Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12 month
period
• A podiatric surgery program that provides full
• not claiming residency or obtaining benefits coverage for medically necessary services
under a claim of residency in another provided by a podiatric surgeon in an Alberta
province, territory or country hospital or non-hospital surgical facility
• any other person deemed by the regulations under contract with Alberta Health Services
to be a resident not including a tourist, according to the Schedule of Podiatric
transient or visitor to Alberta Surgery Benefits.
• Some optometry services, if provided in
Detailed information on applying for AHCIP
Alberta. Benefits are limited to one complete
coverage is available on the Alberta Health
exam, one partial exam and one diagnostic
website at alberta.ca/health.aspx.
procedure per benefit year*.
Basic coverage includes: • Some publicly funded physiotherapy services
are provided through Alberta Health Services
• Full coverage for medically necessary insured
Ambulatory Community Physiotherapy
services provided by physicians according to
program. The physiotherapist determines the
the Schedule of Medical Benefits.
number of treatments to be publicly funded
• Medically necessary oral and maxillofacial based on the client’s presenting condition or
surgical procedures and some specific dental injury.
procedures performed by an oral surgeon or
dentist according to the Schedule of Oral and For more information about coverage for
Maxillofacial Surgery Benefits. hospital and medical services, please contact
Alberta Health Services through Health Link by
• Some foot care services if provided in Alberta
dialing 811 from anywhere in Alberta.
by a podiatrist. Benefits are limited for
each service and payable according to the *The benefit year for the Alberta Health Care
Schedule of Podiatry Benefits to a maximum Insurance Plan is from July 1 to June 30.
payable per benefit year* of $250 (check with
podiatrist prior to treatment).
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 17Health services
Uninsured services Temporary absence from Alberta
The AHCIP provides full coverage for medically Individuals must be physically present in Alberta
necessary insured services provided by for at least 183 days in a 12-month period to
physicians. However, uninsured services, such remain eligible for coverage from the AHCIP.
as the copying and transfer of medical records
from one physician to another, are not covered. For details on basic coverage and services
You can expect to pay the full fee for uninsured covered outside Alberta, contact Alberta Health.
services and must be informed of this by your
physician before the service is provided. Recurring absence from Alberta
• The AHCIP is not a dental plan and as such You may remain eligible for AHCIP coverage if,
it does not cover services such as office on a recurring basis, you are absent from Alberta
visits, X-rays, splints, models, orthodontic for up to 212 days in a 12-month period for the
treatments, dentures and other dental purpose of vacation.
services. • Contact Alberta Health before you leave
• Podiatrists may bill residents an amount in to ensure your coverage under the AHCIP
addition to the amount payable by the AHCIP. remains current. Alberta Health covers only
some limited physician and hospital expenses
• Patients are also responsible for the full cost
outside Alberta. It is strongly recommended
of any uninsured services, including medical
that Alberta residents carry private
and surgical appliances, supplies and facility
supplementary insurance when travelling
fees when provided in a podiatrist’s clinic.
outside of Alberta to cover unforeseen
Some services not covered by the AHCIP may
emergency care and transportation, as these
be covered by other government sponsored
costs may be significant.
or private supplementary health insurance.
• Information about reimbursement for the
Hospital services cost of insured emergency physician and/
Alberta Health provides funding to Alberta or hospital services when travelling out of
Health Services for in-patient and out-patient Canada can be found at alberta.ca/ahcip-
hospital services. These services are not funded coverage-outside-canada.aspx.
if obtained in a private facility. When you are For details on temporary absence and
admitted to an acute care hospital in Alberta for extensions of coverage and services covered
insured services, you will receive standard ward outside of Alberta, contact Alberta Health:
care, meals, nursing and other services while you
are a patient in the hospital. BY MAIL
Alberta Health
If you request a private or semi-private hospital Box 1360, Station Main
room, a room charge may be applied by the Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3
hospital, unless a physician indicates it is
medically required. You may be able to purchase WEBSITE
coverage for these charges from some private alberta.ca/health.aspx
insurers. See page 25 for information on private
insurers. BY TELEPHONE
Edmonton: 780-427-1432
For more information about coverage for hospital Outside the Edmonton area, call the Government
and medical services, please contact Alberta of Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be
Health Services through Health Link by dialing connected toll-free.
811 from anywhere in Alberta.
18 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideHealth services
Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
Dental Assistance for Seniors
The Dental Assistance for Seniors program
provides basic dental coverage to a maximum of
$5,000 per eligible senior, every five years.
Optical Assistance for Seniors
The Optical Assistance for Seniors program
provides assistance of up to $230 per eligible
senior, toward the purchase of prescription
eyeglasses every three years.
Please see page 4 for program details.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
The Government of Alberta offers the Alberta How does the program work?
Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program to
assist Albertans with a long-term disability, 1. You must be assessed and authorized for
chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain AADL benefits before you receive them.
independence by providing basic medical The assessment by an AADL authorizer or
equipment and supplies to meet their clinically specialty assessor determines the clinical
assessed needs. need for medical equipment and supplies that
You may be eligible for AADL benefits if you meet an Albertan may be eligible for through this
the following criteria: program.
• are an Alberta resident Please contact Alberta Health Services to
• have a valid Alberta Personal Health Number locate an AADL authorizer or consult the
vendor lists on the AADL website to locate an
• require benefits due to a long-term disability, AADL specialty assessor.
chronic illness or terminal illness. Long-term
and chronic are defined as six months or An Authorizer or specialty assessor may be
longer a nurse, physical therapist, occupational
therapist, respiratory therapist, audiologist,
You may not be eligible for AADL benefits if speech language pathologist or other
you are eligible to receive comparable benefits health care professional. They may work in
through another source. This includes the Non- a community health care centre, hospital,
Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), Health long-term care centre, home-care program or
Canada, Workers’ Compensation, Department of private practice.
Veterans Affairs (Canada) Health Care Benefits –
“A” Clients, federal programs such as the RCMP ote: Medical doctors are not authorizers and
N
and armed forces, correctional institutions, and do not determine eligibility. However, certain
private insurers. benefits require a doctor’s prescription.
Seniors Programs and Services | Information Guide 19Health services
2. Equipment and supplies must be purchased • If you are a cost-share client, AADL
from an AADL-approved vendor. contributes $900 toward one hearing aid only.
If you are exempt from cost sharing, AADL
Vendors are located within the province of
will contribute up to $1,200 per affected ear.
Alberta, unless otherwise specified. A list of
This does not include upgrades. If a more
vendors is available on the AADL website.
expensive hearing aid is purchased, you are
3. AADL is a cost-share program. You pay 25 responsible for the difference.
per cent of the cost of program benefits to a
maximum of $500 per individual/family, per Medical/surgical supplies,
benefit year (July 1 to June 30). prosthetics, orthotics, footwear,
Low-income Albertans, below qualifying mobility and respiratory equipment
income thresholds, are exempt from cost- An AADL authorizer or specialty assessor
sharing. Your authorizer, specialty assessor, must assess your need and eligibility for
or local community health-care centre should equipment and supplies and submit a completed
have a cost-share exemption application or authorization. Some items may require a doctor’s
temporary cost-share exemption application prescription.
for you to complete and submit to the address
on the form. The forms are also available on Program authorizers and specialty suppliers have
the AADL website. access to benefits, assigned according to clinical
discipline and AADL approval. Benefits that are
Respiratory benefits are not subject to cost funded through the program are listed on AADL
share. approved product lists.
If you are exempt from cost-sharing, your The program does not provide coverage for
authorizer and vendor will be notified through canes (with the exception of 4-point canes for a
the AADL system. chronic condition), grabbers/reachers, off-the-
shelf foot orthotics, scooters, CPAP machines,
If you choose an upgraded item, you are also eyeglasses, diabetic supplies, wound care
responsible for paying any additional amount. supplies, prescription drugs, dental care or
AADL cannot refund clients who purchase their dentures.
own medical equipment and supplies before For more information about registered
being assessed and authorized for equipment
vendors, go to:
and supplies
alberta.ca/aadl-approved-vendors-list.aspx
What is covered?
Product information is available at:
A variety of medical equipment and supplies alberta.ca/aadl-program-manual-and-product-
are provided. Information and product lists are lists.aspx.
available on the AADL website. Benefits are subject to quantity and frequency
limitations.
Hearing aids For details on specific supplies and equipment
Hearing aids are provided to seniors and their covered by AADL, contact your health care
dependants through AADL registered suppliers provider, Alberta Health Services or:
only. When visiting a hearing aid supplier, please Alberta Supports Contact Centre
ensure that they are registered with AADL as an Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
approved vendor. Website at: alberta.ca/alberta-aids-to-daily-
living.aspx
20 Seniors Programs and Services | Information GuideHealth services
Coverage for Seniors
Alberta Health provides premium-free coverage pre‑authorization from Alberta Blue Cross. If
for some health-related services not covered by you plan to travel outside Alberta and need
the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan through medication for more than 100 days, talk to your
Coverage for Seniors. This coverage is available pharmacist at least two weeks before your
to all Albertans 65 years of age and older. departure. This will give your pharmacist enough
Coverage for Seniors starts the first month after time to obtain authorization.
you turn 65.
Coverage for Seniors also provides coverage
Once you are registered with Alberta Health and for services received in other parts of Canada or
your date of birth has been validated, you will outside the country. You may be asked to pay for
be sent an Alberta Blue Cross card. To receive these services at the time they are provided. To
services, you must show your card. be reimbursed, sign into the Alberta Blue Cross
member services website to submit your claims
Coverage for seniors uses the same benefit year for instant claims processing, or send Alberta
as Alberta Health – July 1 to June 30. Blue Cross a completed and signed Alberta Blue
Cross health claim form, with receipts attached.
Ambulance services Benefits for services received out-of-country are
Ambulance service charges to the maximum rate paid in Canadian funds according to approved
established by Alberta Health for transportation Alberta benefit rates.
to or from a health facility in the event of illness
or injury are covered. Transportation must be Diabetic supplies
provided by a licensed ambulance operator in a Coverage for Seniors provides diabetic
ground vehicle approved under the Emergency supplies for insulin-treated diabetics only, up
Health Services Act and regulations. to a maximum of $600 per eligible person each
benefit year for diabetic supplies purchased from
Note: Inter-facility transfers are not covered
a licensed pharmacy. Diabetic supplies include
under Coverage for Seniors. Inter-facility transfers
needles, syringes, lancets and blood glucose
are covered by Alberta Health Services.
and urine testing strips. Additional financial
assistance for low‑income seniors is available
Prescription drugs through the Special Needs Assistance for
Alberta Health covers 70 per cent of the cost Seniors program. Please see page 4 for details.
of prescription drugs listed in the Alberta Drug
Benefit List. You pay the other 30 per cent, up to Chiropractic services
a maximum of $25 per prescription or refill.
Up to $25, per visit to a maximum of $200, per
The pharmacy bills Alberta Blue Cross directly.
person each benefit year, for services provided
Note: If an interchangeable or generic drug by a chiropractor who is lawfully entitled to
product is available, Coverage for Seniors will practice.
pay the least-cost alternative price.
Clinical psychological services
Purchase only the medicine you need,
in quantities you will use. The maximum Up to $60 per visit, to a maximum of $300 per
prescription quantity is a 100-day supply. family each benefit year, for treatment of mental
It is best to be stabilized on the drug dose or emotional illness by a registered chartered
before getting this quantity. A pharmacist psychologist.
cannot dispense a larger quantity without
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