Eligibility rules
Frequently asked questions
Find out who's eligible to apply and review key enrolment details.
Who is eligible to apply for the Retiree plan?
You are eligible to apply if you’re over 50 years old, and are coming off of a benefit plan. There are no age restrictions for your spouse or any dependants provided that you’re eligible for the plan. You must apply within 90 days of termination from your benefit plan.
I’m currently an employee on an Alberta Blue Cross® employer-sponsored group plan. In the event that a life event impacts my ability to enroll on the Retiree plan, is my spouse still eligible to transfer from the group plan to the Retiree plan at the discounted rate?
Yes. In this scenario, your spouse would still be eligible to transfer from the Alberta Blue Cross® group plan to the Retiree plan at the discounted rate.
Once enrolled on the Retiree plan, is my spouse eligible to remain on the plan even if I, as the primary plan member, am no longer on the plan as a result of a life event?
Yes, your spouse will be able to remain on the plan.
What is the definition of a group plan?
A group plan is an employer-sponsored group benefit plan in which the premiums are shared between the employer and employee or the employer pays the total premiums.
How long do I have to apply after leaving my plan?
You have 90 days to apply for the Retiree plan after leaving your plan.
What happens if I miss this 90-day window?
You won’t be eligible for the Retiree plan if you miss the 90-day application window, but there may be other plan options available to you. If you missed the 90-day window, call us to speak with a personal benefits consultant to walk through alternative options.
I waived my health and dental benefits on my plan. Am I eligible for the Retiree plan?
Yes; if you are enrolled in another line of benefit (a Health Spending Account, for example) you are eligible for the Retiree plan. If you didn’t participate in any other benefit lines, you’re not eligible for the Retiree plan.
I often vacation for extended periods outside my province or territory during the winter (a snowbird, for example). Am I eligible to keep my Retiree plan?
Yes; as long as you maintain your status according to the requirements of your Canadian provincial or territorial health insurance plan, you can remain on the Retiree plan.
Note that each province may have different rules for individuals maintaining their health-care card, and you should review the rules for the applicable province or territory. For Alberta, please refer to the Alberta Health website at https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-absence-from-alberta.
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