Drug plan for seniors slashed by $72 million

EDMONTON Drug benefits for seniors are being cut by $72 million this year, the 2020 budget revealed Thursday.

The provincial government is introducing income-tested deductibles this year for beneficiaries with higher incomes, but the document doesn’t outline specifics on the changes. Estimates in the UCP government’s general revenue fund show a reduction from $589.6 million in 2019-20 to $517.4 million in 2020-21 in spending for the program.

Coverage for dependants younger than 65 will end on March 1.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro was not available for an interview Thursday.

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley said seniors got a “raw deal” in this budget and the cuts amount to losing universal drug coverage for seniors.

“What we’re going to see is massive costs downloaded onto seniors or, in some cases, many seniors who simply can’t afford to take the drugs that their doctors prescribe that allow them to maintain a good quality of life … that allows them to stay out of hospitals,” she said at the legislature Thursday. “It is penny wise, pound foolish and cruel.”

The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program, which helps low-income seniors buy items like orthotics and lift chairs, is also being reduced, to “focus on the most essential supports,” according to the budget. The government expects to save $8.2 million between 2020-21 and $8.7 million in the next year through these cuts.

Seniors currently receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit will see no changes, but the eligibility criteria for new applicants will change in 2021. Budget estimates show the government expects to spend $18 million more than last year on the program, though there are no details on the changes.

Lori Sigurdson, NDP critic for seniors and housing, said the funding cuts will create hardships for seniors.

“It’s so clear that this UCP government doesn’t care about seniors but they’re making elite corporations the priority,” she said.

Thursday’s budget also said an additional planned 1,197 housing units for Alberta seniors will be built over the next three years.