Prescription Drugs
In general, you will be required to cover the cost of prescribed drugs, unless you buy a private medicine plan (see above) or you are covered by a group benefit plan from your employer. However, for seniors and people with special needs, the provincial government offers several drug programs to assist with the purchase of prescription drugs.
Pharmacare is a government-funded, optional health care plan for seniors in Nova Scotia. It supplements the cost of prescription drugs and medication for seniors over the age of 65 who are not covered under another drug plan.
- Each year, the senior pays a premium (fee) of $390.00.
- When purchasing prescriptions, the senior pays 33% of the cost of the prescription to a maximum cost of $30.00.
- Once the senior has paid $382.00 for prescriptions for a given year, the government pays 100% of all remaining prescription costs until the end of the year.
In addition to Pharmacare, the provincial government also offers drug assistance for cancer patients, people with multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. To learn more, visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/pharmacare. |
