AUPE reminds retiring Government employees about applying for retirement health benefits
EDMONTON – AUPE wants to remind Government of Alberta employees who are approaching retirement or have recently retired that they can take advantage of the Alberta Public Service Retiree Health and Wellness Benefits Program.
The program, which began Apr. 1, 2008, includes extended health care with an out-of-province/Canada emergency travel option, dental care, long-term care and life insurance plans for retirees, their spouses or partners, and dependent children.
In order to participate in the plan, applicants must meet three criteria:
- Participants must have retired from the Alberta Public Service.
- They must be at least 50 years old.
- They must be receiving a pension or be entitled in future to receive a pension either from the Public Service Pension Plan or the Management Employees Pension Plan.
Retirees have 60 days from the end of their coverage under the Government of Alberta’s benefits plan to apply for the APSR plan with no medical evidence. After 60 days, applicants must submit medical information with their form.
The program is sponsored by the Alberta Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) and is fully funded and administered by participating retirees. Neither AUPE nor the Government of Alberta are involved in the funding, design, governance or administration of the program.
At the plan’s commencement, monthly premiums for health benefits coverage will begin at $81.50 for a single person under age 75 and rise according to extra coverage chosen.
Monthly premiums for dental coverage will range from $34 for basic coverage of a single person to $133 for the most complete package for a family.
In addition, to participate in the plan, retirees must become affiliate members of ARTA — a membership fee of $4.17 will be added onto the monthly premiums.
Questions from retirees specifically related to eligibility requirements, benefits or premium rates should be directed to the plan administrator, Johnson Inc., at 780-413-6536 or toll-free at 1-877-989-2600. Full details of the plan, including a complete schedule of fees and coverage for health and dental benefits, are also available on-line.