New insurance coverage

Recently the government passed new legislation allowing increased direct billing to Alberta Health Care for patients aged 19-64. The most common eye services now covered include treatment for red eyes, management for glaucoma, cataract, diabetes and hypertension.

The new agreement does not include coverage for a basic eye examination.

Attention Alberta Seniors
You may be eligible to receive up to $230 in assistance towards the purchase of prescription eyeglasses.

Effective April 1, the Government of Alberta reinstated its senior’s eyeglass benefit. This benefit reimburses a portion of their eyeglass costs for those applicants over 65 years of age on the basis of their income.

The Optical Assistance for Seniors program reimburses seniors up to $230 every three years for prescription eyeglasses.

The amount of money you receive is based on your annual income (see table below)

To Apply

If you have already applied for the Alberta Seniors benefit or Dental Assistance for Seniors program, you are automatically enrolled in this program and do not need to apply. For more information contact the Alberta seniors Information Line at 1-800-642-3853 or 427- 7876 in the Edmonton area, or visit www.seniors.gov.ab.ca to get an application.

How to submit a claim:
After you buy a pair of prescription eyeglasses, please photocopy the receipt and clearly print your Personal Health number, name, address and phone number on it and send to:

Optical Assistance for Seniors Program
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4W3

Receipts can be submitted up to 12 months after the date of purchase.
The program does not pay for:

• contact lenses
• eye surgery
• eye exams (covered by Alberta Health and Wellness)
• accessories
• magnifying devices
• eye medication
• non-prescription sunglasses
• reading glasses not dispensed by optical provider