Province Provides Interim Drug Coverage for MS Sufferers

Health Minister Jim Smith said today he is disappointed with Atlantic Blue Cross Care's decision to cancel drug coverage for persons with multiple sclerosis and will continue to press the company to reverse its position.

"In the meantime, government will ensure that no MS sufferer is left without drug coverage," said Dr. Smith. "As an interim measure, government will pick up where Blue Cross has left off by providing prescription drug coverage for persons with MS until this matter can be resolved."

Staff from the Department of Health met with representatives from Atlantic Blue Cross Care on Wednesday to try to persuade the insurer to reverse its decision to drop MS drug coverage.

"Unfortunately, Blue Cross is remaining firm in its position," said the minister. "The government's position is that it is unfair for Blue Cross to transfer the cost of these drugs to taxpayers when individuals are already paying premiums for this coverage. Atlantic Blue Cross Care is, in fact, turning its back on Nova Scotians. They have chosen to terminate the assistance they have been providing all along."

Dr. Smith said he has asked the department's legal counsel to review provincial laws with respect to the operation of insurance companies in Nova Scotia.

"Perhaps it is time for government to review the role of private insurers when government is asked to cover all the expensive medications, while private insurers pick and choose."

Since 1998, the province has covered the cost of prescription drugs for people with MS who do not have private drug insurance. "MS drugs are very expensive," said the minister. "The province is doing what it can for those who can't afford them."

The province also provides assistance for those with private drug coverage. Insurance companies normally require subscribers to pay a portion of their drug costs. With MS drugs, this cost can be as high as $500 per month. In these cases, the province covers the additional cost.