Alberta's Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2) (Bill 11) received Royal Assent on December 11, 2025. The legislation includes changes that will affect employer-sponsored group benefit plans for Alberta employees. While these changes are outside the scope of employment standards, employers should be aware of the upcoming requirements and consider reviewing their benefit plans in preparation for implementation.
The two employer-sponsored benefit plan changes are:
- Continuation of Benefits for Active Employees Age 65 and Older: Employers will no longer be permitted to terminate or reduce drug and supplemental health benefit coverage solely because an active employee reaches age 65. Eligible employees must continue to receive coverage for as long as they remain actively employed. This change applies only to drug and supplemental health benefits and does not require employers to continue other benefits such as life insurance, disability, dental, or travel coverage.
- Employer-Sponsored Plans Become the First Payor: For individuals aged 65 and older who have employer-sponsored coverage, employer benefit plans will become the first payor for eligible drug and supplemental health benefits. The Alberta government will become the payor of last resort, reversing the current coordination of benefits where the provincial plan is generally the first payor.