Health Benefits: Qualifying Income Levels Ministerial Order sets out the maximum qualifying income levels for determining financial eligibility for health benefits at application or annual renewal.

A consistent renewal process, with qualifying income levels based on household unit size and program, applies to all Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB) recipients except those in sub-type 78 Pregnancy.

In May of each year, Common Service Delivery (CSD) sends an electronic file transfer to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) containing data for each active AAHB client and their spouse/partner. CRA sends back data that enables CSD to create an Alberta Adult Health Benefits (AAHB) Tax Information Report for each household unit (client and spouse/partner income are shown on one report).

Renewal Procedure
When the AAHB Tax Information Report is received, CSD staff:

1. Compare the household unit’s total income shown on the AAHB Tax Information Report with the applicable qualifying income levels, and determines eligibility.

2. Prepare and send out the appropriate letter to advise the client of eligibility or non-eligibility.
   

   Note
   When clients are found to be ineligible, the AEHB 4008 Request for Reassessment of Eligibility for Health Benefits is sent with the letter advising of ineligibility.

3. If the client submits verification of current income and health needs, reassesses eligibility based on the exception to qualifying income levels.

4. If eligible after reassessment, advises the client by letter.

5. If ineligible after reassessment, advises the client by letter and advises of the right to appeal.

Procedures for Clients Who Have Not Filed a Tax Return

Persons who have not filed their tax return will have no information shown on the AAHB Tax Information Report. They will have to submit documentation from CRA of their net income plus any non-taxable child support income received, to have their continued financial eligibility assessed.

If the error message “No CRA Tax Information” shows on the AAHB Tax Information Report, CSD staff:

1. Send a letter to notify the client to file a tax return so that financial eligibility can be determined.

2. When the client submits documentation from CRA of their net income plus any non-taxable child support income received, assesses financial eligibility, re-enrolls the client if eligible, and notifies the client of the decision per the Renewal Procedure detailed above.