The AHCIP provides coverage for eligible drugs listed on the Alberta Drug Benefit list for low income residents, including seniors 65 years or older, who are eligible. Where applicable you pay quarterly premiums and a percentage of the cost of prescription drugs, up to a dollar maximum per prescription (unless the chosen drug is not the lowest cost alternative, in which you pay the difference).

Those without group coverage may be eligible for the Non-Group Coverage program which provides some coverage for supplementary health benefits.

The Alberta government has launched the Biosimilars Initiative which means AHCIP will only cover the biosimilar versions of eligible drugs.

You’re generally not covered for ground ambulance services unless you are:

• Senior citizen (65+)
• Receiving income support or eligible households with limited incomes
• Transferred between hospitals

Learn more about ambulance service billing information.

You’re covered for 1 complete eye exam, 1 partial eye exam and 1 diagnostic procedure per benefit year if you are 18 and under or 65 and older. You aren’t covered for routine eye exams if you’re 19-64 years old (unless medically necessary), prescription glasses or contact lenses.

No coverage for services provided by a chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, homeopath, nutritionist, psychologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Alberta seniors may be eligible for chiropractic and psychological services if enrolled with the Coverage for Seniors health benefit.

You’re covered for some podiatric services and appliances, which are payable at a specific rate per services, per person, per benefit year. Private insurers cannot pay benefits for services provided by some paramedical practitioners until the Alberta government’s yearly benefit maximum has been reached.

If you are disabled, chronically ill, or terminally ill, you receive limited coverage for hearing aids and other medical devices and supplies through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program.

Continuous Glucose Monitors are eligible for those 18 years and under who meet certain eligibility requirements.

You are covered for physician services outside of Canada up to Alberta rates only. You are also covered for hospital services provided these services are covered by AHCIP and rendered in a hospital setting. You are not covered for any ambulance services outside of Alberta.

Hospital-services rates still apply and payment for services provided in a private health facility are not covered.