Insurance Coverage

Alberta Health Care Coverage For Medically Necessary Eye Exams

Alberta Health Care has now extended coverage to Albertans age 19-64 for medically necessary eye exams. This coverage would apply to conditions such as red eye, diabetes, glaucoma, cataract and high blood pressure.

This coverage does not apply for basic eye examinations or extra fees such as contact lens assessments or retinal imaging.

Alberta Seniors Benefit Program

The Government of Alberta reimburses seniors for a portion of the cost of their eyewear through the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program. This program is available to all Alberta residents (living in Alberta for more than 3 months) over age 65 on the basis of their income. Please refer to the table at the bottom of this page.

To apply:

If you have already applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit or Dental Assistance for Seniors program, you are automatically enrolled in this program and do not need to apply.

If you have not applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit or Dental Assistance for Seniors program, please call:

1-800-642-3853 or visit www.seniors.gov.ab.ca to get an application.

This program is administered by Alberta Blue Cross, so for your convenience we can submit directly on your behalf. If you’d prefer to submit privately, we will provide you with a second copy of your receipt. Clearly print your Personal Health Care, name, address and phone number on it and sent it to:

Optical Assistance for Seniors Program

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4W3

Receipts can be submitted for up to 12 months after date of purchase.

This program does not pay for:

• Contact lenses
• Eye surgery
• Eye exams (covered by Alberta Health and Wellness)
• Magnifying devices
• Eye medications
• Non-prescription sunglasses
• Reading glasses not dispensed by an optical provider