As of April 1, 2006, the amount of income Albertans can earn and still qualify for premium assistance under the Premium Subsidy Program and Waiver of Premiums Program will increase.  This change will allow more Albertans to qualify for a reduction to or elimination of their AHCIP premiums.

Premium Subsidy Changes: The annual taxable income Albertans can earn and still qualify for a premium reduction increased by $5,000.

Waiver of Premiums Changes: The average gross monthly income Albertans can earn and still qualify for waiver of premiums increased by $410 per month.

Questions and answers: Increase in subsidy and waiver qualifying levels.

Premium Subsidy Program

Albertans with lower incomes are encouraged to apply for the premium subsidy program which may reduce or eliminate their AHCIP premiums.  Eligibility for this program is based on the taxable income of the registrant and their spouse/partner (if applicable) for the taxation year immediately before the premium subsidy period.  A premium subsidy period is from April 1 of one year to March 31 of the following year.  Applications can be made for premium subsidy for the current premium subsidy period plus the two previous premium subsidy periods (Retroactive Premium Subsidy).

Albertans who qualify for the AHCIP Premium Subsidy Program and have purchased Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group supplemental health coverage are also entitled to reduced Non-Group premiums.

All seniors, regardless of income, are exempt from paying AHCIP premiums.

Seniors may apply to the Premium Subsidy Program  for premiums owed  prior to their 65th birthday.

 Current premium subsidy period

Date	Based on
April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007	2005 taxable income

Retroactive premium subsidy periods

Date	Based on
April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006	2004 taxable income
April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005	2003 taxable income

Waiver of Premiums Program

This program assists account holders who are unable to pay their Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) premiums due to recent financial difficulty. If you are eligible, current premiums are waived for a six month period. When the period of waiver ends, a new application can be made.