A controversial new drug plan developed to target middle-and higher-income earners, which was slated to kick start on July 1, is reported to be delayed by Alberta Health and Wellness.

Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky posted that postponing of the changes to the senior’s drug plan has happened so that the Government can further review the potential impacts on seniors, provincial coffers and other programs.

The plan was claimed to save the Government $20 million per year from its $15-billion health-care system; however, it has emerged disgruntlement among many seniors and carried a significantly higher political cost for the ruling Progressive Conservatives.

"We've decided to delay it to get it right, rather than rushing it along", Zwozdesky said in an interview. "There has been some mixed reaction."

The new strategy included a plan, administered by Alberta Blue Cross, that will remain in place. According to it, all seniors are required, irrespective of their affordability, to pay 30 per cent of each prescription cost to a maximum of $25.

The existing program is revealed to remain dedicated to providing coverage for prescription drugs, ambulance services, clinical psychological services and home nursing care.