Provincial Government Invests More in Pharmacare
The Nova Scotia government is investing an additional $12 million in the Seniors' Pharmacare program in 2006-07.
"This investment in Seniors' Pharmacare will allow Nova Scotia to continue to have the most comprehensive Pharmacare program in Atlantic Canada," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.
As of April 1, the annual premium will be increased by an additional $10, bringing the cost up from $390 to $400.
Seniors are currently required to pay a co-payment of 33 per cent for each prescription to a maximum of $30 per prescription with an annual cap of $350. The cap will be increased by $10, up to $360.
More than 95,000 people are registered in the Pharmacare program. Thousands of low-income seniors, including those receiving the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) are exempt from paying the premiums or pay a reduced amount. The full premium is paid by about 40,000 program members.
The Pharmacare program for seniors is cost-shared by the Department of Health and seniors, with government paying 75 per cent of costs and program members paying 25 per cent. The total cost to operate the program in 2006-07 is estimated at $172 million.
"The Seniors' Pharmacare program is an important part of the health-care system which must remain both affordable to seniors and sustainable over time," said Mr. d'Entremont. "As prescription drug costs continue to rise, a modest increase in the fees will allow the program to continue to provide benefits to the greatest number of seniors."
The Group of IX, an organization that represents 130,000 seniors in Nova Scotia, had made recommendations to the minister of Health as part of the department's consultation on Pharmacare program changes.
"Seniors understand how they share in the continuance of an effective and affordable Pharmacare program. Our recommendations this year were contingent on the minister of Health moving forward with a review of alternative methods for co-payments, and improving the program's outdated computer system," said Bernie LaRusic, vice-chair of the Group of IX. "The Group of IX, through the Seniors' Secretariat, will continue to advocate on behalf of all Nova Scotia seniors, on not only the pharmacare program, but any and all issues related to seniors."
Mr. d'Entremont has assured the Group of IX that his department will implement appropriate changes for next year's program renewal.
The annual renewal package for the Seniors' Pharmacare program will be mailed to seniors starting Thursday, March 16. The package outlines how low-income seniors, including those who receive the GIS, can have their premium reduced or waived. The deadline for the first monthly payment for Pharmacare premiums is April 4.