Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
The Government of Alberta offers dental and optical assistance for seniors aged 65 and older, administered by Alberta Blue Cross.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be an Alberta resident and have resided in Alberta for at least 3 months before applying
- Be a Canadian citizen or admitted to Canada for permanent residence
- Be approved to receive Seniors Financial Assistance programs
- Have an annual income within the limits allowed by the programs
Income eligibility is based on total income as reported to the CRA in the previous tax year (line 15000 of the federal tax return). For the 2026-27 benefit year, 2025 income is used.
Income limits (2026-27):
- Single senior: $0 to $32,690 (coverage); over $32,690 (no coverage)
- Senior couple: $0 to $65,380 (coverage); over $65,380 (no coverage)
You must have an active file with the Alberta Seniors Benefit program.
How to Apply
You must first apply for Seniors Financial Assistance programs. If already submitted, no need to reapply.
Dental Assistance
Eligible seniors receive up to $5,000 every 5 years for select dental services. The 5-year period starts on the date of the first funded service. Unused amounts do not carry over.
Covered services include diagnostic, preventive, restorative, extractions, root canals, periodontics, and dentures. Not covered: crowns, bridges, braces, implants, fluoride, whitening, and inlays.
The program does not cover full fees. For example, a typical check-up with cleaning costs $100.58, but the program pays $81.05, leaving $62.94 for the senior.
May be combined with the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Claims must be submitted to CDCP first.
Frequency limitations may apply. Out-of-province services are not covered.
Optical Assistance
Eligible seniors receive up to $230 every 3 years for prescription eyeglasses. The 3-year period starts on the date of the first funded service. Unused amounts do not carry over.
Covered: prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, lenses (including contacts), frames, and repairs. Not covered: eye exams (covered by AHCIP for seniors), eye surgery, cataract lenses, accessories, magnifiers, eye medication, non-prescription sunglasses.
If you have cataract surgery, you may get additional funding with a medical note.
How to Submit a Claim
- Present your Alberta health card to the provider and inform them you are enrolled.
- If the provider direct bills Alberta Blue Cross, you pay only the difference. Otherwise, pay full and submit receipts.
- Submit claims within 12 months of the expense. Claims can be submitted online via Alberta Blue Cross member site, or by mail with a reimbursement form.
Reviews and Exceptions
- For income eligibility questions: Alberta Support Contact Centre, 1-877-644-9992
- For claim questions: Alberta Blue Cross, 1-800-661-6995
- Dental exceptions: your provider can submit an exception review.
- Optical exceptions: contact Alberta Blue Cross.
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