Turning 65 soon? Here's what you need to know about your benefits

28 September 2026

If you or your spouse or partner are approaching age 65, there are some important changes to how your health benefits will work that you should be aware of.

The Government of Alberta’s Coverage for Seniors Program provides premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other eligible health-related services that are not covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

What changes at age 65?

Once you’re eligible for the Coverage for Seniors Program, it becomes the last payer for eligible expenses.

This means:

  1. Your University of Alberta benefits will pay your claim first

    Continue to submit eligible claims through your university group benefits plan as you do today.

  2. The Government of Alberta’s Coverage for Seniors Program will pay your claim second

    If an eligible expense is not fully covered through your university benefits, the government program may provide coverage for the remaining eligible amount, subject to its program rules.

Validate your age to confirm eligibility for the Coverage for Seniors Program

Eligibility for the Coverage for Seniors Program is managed by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), and your age must be validated to participate.

When AHCIP records indicate you are approaching age 65, AHCIP will send information about seniors’ programs and services to the address in their files.

If your age has not been validated, you will receive a letter asking you to provide proof of age. Acceptable documents include an Alberta driver’s licence, Alberta identification card, birth certificate, passport or other eligible documents.

If you have not received information from AHCIP as you approach age 65, check that AHCIP has your current address and confirm whether your age has been validated.

Take action early to avoid potential gaps or delays in your coverage

What you need to know

  • The Coverage for Seniors Program begins when you are eligible, generally in the first of the month following your 65th birthday (or on the first of the month if your birthday falls on the first).
  • AHCIP manages eligibility and registration.
  • The Coverage for Seniors Program does not include travel insurance.
  • The program has its own eligibility requirements, benefits and exclusions.

Learn more

For complete information about eligibility, benefits, and how to validate your age, visit the Government of Alberta’s Coverage for Seniors Program page. You can also use Alberta’s Find a Registry Agent tool to locate a participating registry agent that can assist with age verification and proof-of-age requirements.

Questions?

If you have questions about your University of Alberta group benefits coverage or how your benefits coordinate with the Coverage for Seniors Program, please contact the Staff Service Centre.