Back

Changes affecting benefits plans in Alberta – expected to come into effect in 2026

4 June 2026

For business owners, plan sponsors and administrators 

The Alberta government has passed Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2). This bill will change how your plan pays some drug and health claims for eligible employees who live in Alberta. 

1. Prohibited: decreasing or discontinuing benefits based solely on age

Bill 11 prohibits sponsors from stopping or reducing drug and health benefits coverage for actively employed members1 based solely on age. This change applies to drug and health coverage only. It does not apply to life, disability, dental, travel insurance, Health Care Spending Accounts, or Lifestyle Spending Accounts.

2. The public plan becomes payor of last resort for seniors and non-group plan members2

For seniors (aged 65+), Alberta’s provincial plan will pay claims only after all private coverage is applied for:

  • prescription drugs 
  • land (not air) ambulance services  
  • clinical psychologist services 
  • home nursing care  
  • Chiropractic  

For members under age 65 who have opted in to Alberta’s non-group plan, Alberta’s provincial plan will pay claims only after all private coverage is applied for:

  • prescription drugs
  • land (not air) ambulance services   
  • clinical psychologist services  
  • home nursing care
  • prosthetic and orthotic benefits
  • mastectomy prosthesis
  • hospital accommodation

Note: these are the services we expect to be included when the legislation is implemented.

The legislation applies to all private plans that provide coverage to members residing in Alberta, including group, association, and individual health plans. It does not apply to groups or members located outside Alberta.

Effect on your plan’s premiums and claims experience

These changes may increase plan costs and may affect pricing for drug and health benefits. Changes in premiums and increases to claims experience will be based on the demographics of each group. We will review these changes at the time of renewal and answer your specific questions at that time.

Questions?

Please contact your Manulife representative.

1 Age restrictions may continue for retiree plans.

2 Payor of last resort means the provincial plan pays after private coverage is applied.