Turning 65 in Alberta brings extra health benefits on top of your regular Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card. This guide walks through what seniors get for dental, vision, hearing aids, and prescriptions — and what you'll still pay out of pocket.
This is general information for families and caregivers, not medical or legal advice. Programs and amounts change — always confirm current details with Alberta.ca or Alberta Blue Cross.
The two coverages every Alberta senior should know about
1. AHCIP — your regular provincial health card. Covers doctor visits, medically necessary hospital care, and one routine eye exam per year once you turn 65.
2. Coverage for Seniors — a premium-free program that kicks in the month you turn 65. It adds help with prescription drugs, diabetes supplies, ambulance, chiropractic, clinical psychology, and partial coverage for dental, optical, and hearing aids. It's administered by Alberta Blue Cross.
Dental coverage for seniors in Alberta
Dental care isn't fully free, but seniors generally have two ways to get help:
- Coverage for Seniors: pays up to a set maximum every 5 years for most basic services (exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions) and some major services (crowns, dentures, root canals). You'll typically have a co-pay.
- Dental Assistance for Seniors (DOAS): for lower-income seniors. Income tested annually — the lower your income, the more of the dentist's fee is covered.
Cosmetic dentistry and treatments above the fee schedule aren't covered. Ask your dentist's office to estimate the Alberta Blue Cross portion before any major work.
Vision coverage: eye exams and glasses
- Eye exams: AHCIP covers one routine eye exam per year for Albertans 65+.
- Eyeglasses: Coverage for Seniors helps with prescription glasses up to a set maximum every 3 years (Optical Assistance for Seniors).
- Lower-income seniors: DOAS can top up what Coverage for Seniors pays.
Hearing aid coverage in Alberta
Hearing aids are partially covered. Coverage for Seniors pays a set amount toward hearing aids every 5 years (typically one device per ear). Many seniors also qualify for additional help through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), which can reduce the cost further and includes some maintenance items.
Prescription drugs
Seniors on the Coverage for Seniors program pay 30% of the cost of eligible prescription drugs, up to $25 per prescription. Most common medications, diabetes supplies, and many doctor-prescribed over-the-counter products on the Alberta Drug Benefit List are included.
Extra programs for lower-income seniors
- Alberta Seniors Benefit — monthly income top-up.
- Special Needs Assistance for Seniors — one-time grants for things like dentures, eyeglasses, appliances, or basic home repairs.
- Dental & Optical Assistance for Seniors (DOAS) — income-tested help on top of Coverage for Seniors.
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) — hearing aids, mobility equipment, and other daily-living supplies.
How to apply
Most Albertans are enrolled in Coverage for Seniors automatically the month they turn 65, as long as their AHCIP information is up to date. You'll need to apply if you're new to Alberta, want to cover a spouse under 65, or want to add eligible dependents. Application forms are available from Alberta Blue Cross and on Alberta.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Need help navigating coverage?
Silver Longevity members include navigators, financial planners, dental and hearing clinics, and senior-focused advocates across Alberta who help families work through these programs.