Health Benefits

Health Benefits Card

Through Alberta Works, people eligible for Income Support (Not Expected to Work, Expected to Work, Learners) receive a Health Benefits Card that provides coverage for themselves and their dependants, unless they receive coverage through the Government of Canada.

Health benefits for Income Support recipients includes:

• prescription drugs and essential over the counter medications
• eye exams and glasses
• dental care
• emergency ambulance services
• essential diabetic supplies
• enrollment in the Alberta Health Care Insurance premium-free group

Drug products which are covered are defined in two lists:

• The Drug Benefit List (DBL) defines benefits for all Alberta government programs.
• The Alberta Human Resources and Employment Drug Benefit Supplement provides coverage otherwise not provided for in the DBL (for example, nutrition supplements to children and expectant mothers).

Dental and optical goods and services covered are defined by agreements between AHRE and the applicable professional associations.

On average Income Support recipients receive about $165 a month in benefits through the use of their Health Benefits Card.

Alberta Adult Health Benefit

The Alberta Adult Health Benefit provides coverage for prescription drugs, eye exams and glasses, dental care, essential diabetic supplies and emergency ambulance services to eligible clients leaving Income Support for work or because of an increase in Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits.  Eligible persons are also enrolled in the Alberta Health Care Insurance premium-free group.

Alberta Child Health Benefit

The Alberta Child Health Benefit plan pays for health services, such as eyeglasses, prescription drugs and dental care, that are not available through standard Alberta Health Care Insurance. The health plan is for children up to age 19 who live at home and are attending school up to grade 12. There are no fees to sign up. The Alberta Child Health Benefit plan is for families with limited incomes. By signing up, parents can have peace of mind their children’s health will be cared for without worrying about the cost.