Seniors feel pinch, despite subsidies
Even newly enhanced benefits for Alberta seniors are leaving some behind, say some seniors and opposition critics.
But the Seniors Department vows it will help in almost any situation.
The problem is that some of the provincial government's overhauled seniors benefits programs for dental and optical assistance can require the low-income elderly to pay up front, and wait for reimbursement from the government.
City senior Jon Harbaway provided a loan to a friend who couldn't pay the up-front cost of new glasses.
"These are people who need eyeglasses and those sorts of things and they are on fixed, low incomes. That's why they qualify for the subsidy in the first place.
"But the program is asking them to pay up front. If you haven't got the money you either have to go borrowing or wait until someday when you might have something left over after paying the rent."
Similar complaints have been received by Beverly-Clareview New Democrat MLA Ray Martin.
"It may not mean much for a government minister making a hundred-some thousand, but for people of modest incomes, they are not able to do it."
Eyeglass subsidies total $230 once every three years for seniors with $20,000 or less in annual income. That drops to $115 for an annual income from $20,000 to $30,000, with no benefits above that.
For senior couples, the $230 each is based on income below $40,000 while the $115 each is for those with a maximum income of $60,000.
Dental care subsidies are available at the same maximum-income thresholds.
Seniors ministry officials say they're aware of the concern with up-front costs. It's less common for dental care, because about 80% of dentists bill Alberta Blue Cross directly, which applies the subsidy. However, most ophthalmologists bill the patient.
"If there is a senior with a concern we can help," said Seniors Department spokesman Jason Chance. "If they pay with a credit card, we can ensure they receive the payment from us quickly, before a bill is due. They could make arrangements with the ophthalmologist to make the bill due when the subsidy is issued."
It remains to be seen if either serves the need, Chance said, and that will be examined.
"As a new program, we will work to ensure it's meeting the needs of seniors."
The two subsidies are among a handful of other seniors' programs, easing costs of property taxes and "special needs" such as emergency funding.
Information is available at 1-800-642-3853.
Source: PR
Senior Citizen Aticles | Alberta Seniors
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