|
Helping those in need
More low-income Albertans will either see their health care premiums waived or will pay a reduced rate thanks to changes to the health care insurance premium subsidy and waiver programs.
As part of the Budget 2006 plan to assist Albertans in need, the income thresholds at which low-income families and individuals begin to pay partial premiums are being raised by $5,000. This change will benefit 140,000 Albertans and save them about $30 million in 2006-07.
As of April 1, 2006, approximately 873,000 Albertans will have their premiums waived or subsidized.
Previous and New Income Levels for Premium Subsidy Program |
| |
|
|
| |
Previous
Income Level
|
New
Income Level
|
Previous
Income Level
|
New
Income Level
|
Single |
less than
$12,450
|
less than
$17,450
|
more than
$15,970
|
more than
$20,970
|
Family with no children |
less than
$21,200
|
less than
$26,200
|
more than
$28,240
|
more than
$33,240
|
Family with children |
less than
$27,210
|
less than
$32,210
|
more than
$34,250
|
more than
$39,250
|
Example: A single person with an income:
- less than $17,450 will receive a full premium subsidy.
- more than $20,970 will pay full premiums.
- in-between will pay a percentage of premiums, but not the full amount.
AADAC
Funding for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is increasing by $19 million, or 25 per cent, to $95 million in 2006-07.
Most of this increase ($14 million) is being used to implement services to help children abusing drugs, including providing 20 confined residential beds.
AADAC will also continue its work with the Alberta Crystal Meth Task Force to develop recommendations for a province-wide holistic strategy to address crystal meth issues.
More information: About crystal meth
Other initiatives
-
Almost $3 million in new provincial homeless support, bringing total annual funding to $26 million.
-
A total budget of nearly $101 million for seniors lodges, rent subsidies, and housing for families, seniors, and Albertans with special needs.
-
$68 million for new affordable housing and rural supportive living programs.
|
|
