Alberta parents leaving welfare can keep health benefits

Province launches new program to encourage people to take entry-level positions that don't have health benefits

Alberta parents who find a job and no longer receive financial assistance from the province’s welfare program will be able to keep their health benefits under a new program announced by the provincial government.

To qualify for the program, which launches Nov. 1, parents must have dependent children and must be leaving welfare for employment. The health benefits will be subject to an annual review based on the net income of the parents.

“Our goal is to help people move from income support into the workforce while managing taxpayers’ dollars wisely,” said Clint Dunford, Alberta’s human resources and employment minister. “Offering health benefits to parents who leave income support eliminates a potential barrier to employment and helps families stay healthy and continue working.”

The benefit provides parents and their families with the same health benefits they received while on welfare, including prescriptions, basic dental care, eyewear, emergency ambulance services and essential diabetic supplies.

A committee of MLAs that reviewed the program noted that many entry-level jobs do not come with health benefits which discourages some people, particularly those with high medical needs, from leaving social assistance. Without the security of health benefits, people who leave social assistance and get sick may return to obtain coverage for prescriptions.

Dunford said the province estimates about 200 parents who leave social assistance for work will qualify for the adult health benefit. He said the number could increase as more parents receiving assistance become aware of the benefit and move to employment.

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!