Benefits Think News You Can’t Use (but wish you could): Alberta to ring in new year with no health premiums

On Jan. 1, Alberta, Canada will eliminate its annual premiums for individuals and families for all of 2009. Employers who have paid their employees´ premiums can reinvest the savings in other employee benefits or compensation programs, or they can choose to hold on to the savings. The move is being taken because the province is in such good financial shape and is sharing the wealth with employers.