Albertans who rely on Blue Cross for medical coverage are about to be hit with a big increase to their premiums.
Starting July 1, 2009, premiums for a single person will jump from $20.50/month to $41/month.
Premiums for a family will jump from $41/month to $82/month.
There is also another big increase on the way in July 2010 when single premiums will rise to $63.50/month and family premiums will hit $118/month.
Alberta Health spokesperson Howard May says the increases are necessary.
"Those rates haven't been adjusted since 1993... this increase will bring them back up into line with what most private and public employer plans are charging."
The province plans on introducing subsidy rates for the Blue Cross program but no details have been released.
