Alberta's new law may force employers to fund health benefits for workers over 65

Alberta is preparing to enact the Health Statutes Amendment Act, which will stop employers from ending group health-benefit plans for staff aged 65 and older, requiring companies to fund those benefits themselves. Currently, workers in that age group move onto the provincial health plan when benefits are cut. The ministry says the change is meant to keep older employees covered, but experts say it will likely push insurance premiums higher and could force firms to trim other benefits.

Business owners, including Calgary startup founder Peter Hurd-Watler, say the added cost may curb hiring and expansion. Economists like Erin Strumpf note that rising premium bills could strain budgets, while health-care leaders such as Danyaal Raza warn the policy may set a precedent for other provinces. The amendment also includes other health-system reforms that have drawn criticism from doctors concerned about increased privatization. The full impact will become clear after the Oct. 1 implementation date.