Coalition calls for a Universal Drug Program
FACT SHEET
Seniors ‘Prescription Drug Atlantic
Blue Cross Program
The last Resort System
New Brunswick’s Board of Economic and Social Inclusion
Corporation held public consultations over potential changes to the
prescription drug plan to make it more inclusive for non-insured individuals.
This was in response to New Brunswick recognition of
the growing poverty, which includes the older population.
New Brunswick is still without a catastrophic
program. As a result, residents are left to find private plans or potentially
face considerable costs in the case of a catastrophic event.
Recommendations:
·
Coalition recommends the province work with the federal government for
the implementation of a Universal Pharmacare Plan.
·
A public drug insurance plan should form an integral part of the
country’s Pharmaceutical policies.
·
The plan should tie together social programs designed to provide a
minimum of well-being for all Canadians.
Note: Fact Sheet on Seniors – Universal PHARMACARE FOR additional recommendations
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Background -
Option: If a senior is not eligible for the
low income seniors plan and does not have private coverage, there are two
options:
1.
The Department of Social Development
determines whether one is eligible for drug coverage based on income, assets,
and medical cost needs. If an individual is approved, they will receive a
health card that indicates approved coverage amount, which is in addition to
the general Medicare card. This plan does not guarantee approved applicants
full coverage of all drug costs and the process for determining eligibility is
not transparent and is assessed on a case by case basis.
2.
Medavie Blue Cross Senior’s Prescription Drug
Program - Provided by a private insurance company, the program offers the same
drug coverage as the public plan for low income seniors but at a higher monthly
rate of $105. (This amount is reduced to $18 per month when a senior qualifies
for the guaranteed income supplement.) It also requires an additional co-payment fee
(maximum $15.00 per prescription) for every new or refill prescription.
Catastrophic Coverage:
This type of coverage varies considerably across provinces.
Catastrophic drug coverage is provided by all provinces except for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Most provinces have measures in place that help contain drug costs to anywhere from 2% through 8% of income.
References: