Change. It is a constant! For us as Seniors, we will be dealing with change in the next while as well. Some changes that seniors should be aware of are:
Federally –
Service Canada – Changes to Old Age Security (OAS)
What is OAS? The Old Age Security program is a universal retirement pension available to most residents and citizens of Canada who have reached their 65th birthday. This pension is supplemented for seniors with lower incomes by the Guaranteed Income Supplement which is added to the monthly OAS payment. Some low-income spouses and survivors of OAS recipients are eligible to receive an income-tested Allowance while they are aged 60 to 64.
Changes to OAS?
1. Deferring your Old Age Security pension
As of July 2013, you can defer receiving your HYPERLINK “https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html” Old Age Security (OAS) pension for up to 60 months (five years) after the date you become eligible for an OAS pension in exchange for a higher monthly amount. If you delay receiving your OAS pension, your monthly pension payment will be increased by 0.6% for every month you delay receiving it, up to a maximum of 36% at age 70. If you choose to defer receipt of your OAS pension, you will not be eligible for the HYPERLINK “https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement.html” Guaranteed Income Supplement, and your spouse or common-law partner will not be eligible for the “https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement/allowance.html” Allowance benefit for the period you are delaying your OAS pension.
2. Rise in Eligibility Age for OAS
Changes to the age of eligibility for Old Age Security will start in April 2023, rising gradually to age 67 from 65 by Feb. 1, 2029, affecting those born after April 1, 1958. Those who choose to work longer will be able to defer their OAS for up to five years, giving them a higher pension later. [Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/eligibility.html]
Provincially – Alberta Seniors and Housing – Changes to Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross
What is Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross? This is a premium free health coverage program for seniors in Alberta. The coverage under this program includes:
• Prescription Drugs (70%)
• Diabetic Supplies (For Insulin treated diabetics only)
• Ambulance Services
• Clinical Psychological Service (up to $300/year)
• Home Nursing Care (up to $200/year)
• Chiropractic Services (up to $200/year)
Changes to Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross?
1. Partial Change in Eligibility for Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross. The eligibility criteria for the Coverage for Seniors program is changing. Effective March 1, 2020, family members younger than 65 years of age will no longer be covered by the Coverage for Seniors program. Albertans 65 years of age and older will continue to be covered by the program.
If you have questions, contact the “https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-contact.aspx” \t “_blank” AHCIP office. For further information on the Coverage for Seniors program please visit the Alberta Health “https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits.aspx” \t “_blank” website at “https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits.aspx” https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits.aspx The dependent spouse of a senior who is presently receiving Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross will soon receive a letter explaining this change, providing a Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage fact sheet and a Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage application form as an option for them to make the change. This change does have a monthly fee attached to it as a coverage program which now goes in place of the Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross until the dependent turns 65 and is able to apply for their own Coverage for Seniors Blue Cross. [Source: “https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits.aspx” https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits.aspx ]
These changes will affect all seniors and one should be attentive to them and how they will affect each person and/or dependent. Contact us at Seniors Outreach and/or the seniors website and/or contact Alberta Seniors Supports to try to have any questions answered.
The Seniors Outreach offices across Kneehill County continue to provide access and support between Mondays to Thursdays each week through our staff. Contact us for concerns or to sign up for events and/or bus trips at 403-443-2555 or 1-888-443-2555 from Carbon & area.
Upcoming Bus Trips:
• An Olds Bus Trip on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
• In conjunction with the Delburne FCSS, a bus trip on Saturday, February 29, 2020. “The PRICE IS RIGHT” at the Grey Eagle Casino, Calgary. Call Seniors Outreach to book your spot/pay for your ticket (and luncheon buffet) before the trip. The earlier the booking, the better the seating. Limited seats are available. Call Early!
