Return of health care premiums to Alberta

A sliding scale for health care premiums will have Albertans paying fees based on their income which will raise an estimated $530M per year

Income based health premiums have arrived in Alberta following the release of the 2015 provincial budget.

Contrary to the previous arrangement, which was eliminated in 2008, Albertans will pay premiums based on a sliding scale, with the province’s lowest earners exempt from fees.

Only Albertans earning more than $50,000 annually will pay health care premiums. The premiums will range from $200 to $1,000 per year depending on a person’s income.

The province is expected to receive $530 million a year with the reintroduction of health care premiums, but the funds will not be specifically allocated for health services. The collected premiums will be distributed through the province’s general revenue fund.