Government health benefit programs

Low income health plans, community and social services health benefits

The Government of Alberta sponsors a variety of low-income health benefits. These programs assist individuals with limited incomes to pay for health-related costs. Alberta Blue Cross® administers the supplementary health benefits for the following programs:

  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).
  • Income Support.
  • Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB).
  • Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB).
  • Learners.
  • Children’s Services.
  • Child and Youth Support Program.

On June 3, 2024, dental coverage for low-income health benefits transitioned from the Alberta Dental Services Corporation to Alberta Blue Cross®. This transition will not cause a disruption in service, as individuals enrolled in the programs will have their information automatically transferred to Alberta Blue Cross®.

Please direct all dental inquiries related to low-income health benefits to Alberta Blue Cross® at 1-800-661-6995.

Specific program inquiries

Income support

1-866-644-5135
Email: hs.iscc@gov.ab.ca
Website: humanservices.alberta.ca

Alberta Adult Health Benefit programs

1-877-469-543
Email: hs.aahb@gov.ab.ca
Website: humanservices.alberta.ca

Alberta Child Health Benefit programs

1-877-469-543
Email: hs.achb@gov.ab.ca
Website: humanservices.alberta.ca

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements vary for each program. Coverage levels differ between programs with individuals enrolled either as singles or in family units. Please contact the Alberta Support Contact Centre to find out specific eligibility criteria for each program.

Alberta Supports Contact Centre
1-877-644-9992
Email: hs.ascc@gov.ab.ca
Website: humanservices.alberta.ca

What is covered?

Alberta Blue Cross® administers benefits related to prescription drugs, specific over-the-counter medications, essential diabetic supplies, eye exams and eyeglasses and emergency ambulance services in Alberta. Alberta Blue Cross® does not administer the dental care coverage for these programs.

Drug products that are covered by the low-income benefits are defined in two lists:

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

What is not covered?

Health benefits sponsored by Alberta Community and Social Services are only valid in Alberta. For example, if an individual visits British Columbia and fills a prescription while outside of Alberta, that person will be responsible for paying the full cost of the drug and is not eligible for reimbursement. If a person is planning to travel outside the province or country, it is strongly recommended that they purchase emergency medical travel coverage.

Who makes the policy decisions?

Policy decisions about eligibility and what products or services are covered are made by Alberta Community and Social Services. Alberta Blue Cross® administers only the health benefits portion specific to these low-income programs.

If a constituent does not agree with a decision made about their health benefits, they can request a review of the decision by the Health Benefits Exception Committee. This committee ensures that decisions about health benefits are fair and equitable. The Health Benefits Exception Committee will review requests for drugs; optical, dental and ambulance services; or diabetic supplies that are not covered in the optical agreements, dental agreements or the drug benefit lists.

Further information

Health Benefits Exception Committee

The committee helps ensure decisions are fair and equitable, and are supported by legislated or regulated authority.

Health services and benefits

Health benefits and services, drug coverage and health care facilities.

Alberta Adult Health Benefit

The Alberta Adult Health Benefit program covers health benefits for Albertans in low-income households who are pregnant or have high ongoing prescription drug needs

Alberta Child Health Benefit

Low income families can apply to this program to get eyeglasses, prescription drugs and dental care for their kids.

Income support

Supports for individuals and families to pay for basic expenses such as food, clothing and shelter.

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

Financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that prevents them from earning a living.

Child Support Services

Helps single parents and blended families get child support money from the child’s other parent.

Child and Youth Support Program

Adult caregivers can apply for financial and medical benefits for a child if the child’s parents or guardians cannot care for the child.