The Alberta Blue Cross® Young Adult plan is the first health and dental plan developed specifically for those 18 to 29 years old. Looking for a plan for the first time, or transitioning off a parent’s plan, can be confusing and stressful. Now, it’s easy for young adults to take care of their health and wellbeing as they venture out on their own.
Nirmal Singh, vice-president of Individual Products with Alberta Blue Cross®, has a 23-year-old son, Dante, who spends months away from his family and friends, working in the oil field. The long hours and isolation can take their toll.
It’s one of the reasons the new Young Adult plan is so close to him—it gives young adults like Dante the option to access benefits they need when they need them. It also gives Nirmal a sense of security knowing his son has options to maintain his health and wellness.
As a parent, Nirmal strives to set up his kids for success. Each generation has different pressures, and he’s seen mental health’s impact. He knows the difficulties of navigating benefits and supports without the proper tools.
“We need to provide young adults with health and wellness options,” Nirmal says. “The Young Adult plan wasn’t made by people in a boardroom. We had young adults at the table while designing this product.”
Through focus groups, phone surveys and online surveys, we collected feedback from young adults and parents. The message was clear: young adults need better mental health support.
This plan provides extensive mental health coverage, including access to psychologists and social workers. It offers mental health tools and resources, such as internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) and virtual care.
Building healthy habits for a healthy future
Healthy emotional and social development in our early years lay the foundation for mental health and resilience throughout life. 70 per cent of people with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18[1].
This statistic is one reason why Nirmal champions prevention through wellbeing. How you take care of yourself now paves the way for your future health.
Dante didn’t have coverage options before he started working. Now, he’s confident knowing he has a plan that meets his needs and can stay in touch with his health providers.
“Hearing Dante’s, and his friends’ relief, I know the Young Adult plan will have an impact. This plan highlights mental health and helps those who are in need but don’t know where to start.”
A home away from home
Alberta Blue Cross is here to support every age and stage of life. Moving onto an independent plan can feel daunting. We’re here to make that transition as easy as possible.
The Young Adult plan has guaranteed acceptance, regardless of current medical conditions. We offer affordable rates with options to upgrade as life changes. The Young Adult plan protects people from the high cost of an unexpected illness or injury. Customize your plan to suit your needs.
The Young Adult plan is designed to support Alberta residents between the ages of 18 to 29 with the health and wellness needs they care about most, including
- increased paramedical coverage (such as, massage, chiropractic care and physiotherapy),
- mental health support,
- dental coverage, and
- drug coverage.
For more information about our Young Adult plan, visit our webpage.
[1] https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/children-and-youth/
