News Release Archive
HEALTH--94 PER CENT OF SENIORS RESPOND TO PHARMACARE PROGRAM ------------------------------------------------------------ Ninety-four per cent of Nova Scotia senior citizens have responded to the new provincial Pharmacare program for seniors. Seniors were given the option to join the program starting September 1995. "We are very encouraged with this excellent response rate to date," said Health Minister Dr. Ron Stewart. "Seniors have examined their options, contacted their private insurer and have decided Pharmacare will provide the insurance they require for their drug costs now and in the future." Seniors who are not currently using prescription medications have also responded to the program so they are protected if they should become ill or suffer injuries from an accident. The more than 105,000 responses received are currently at different stages of processing. This includes verifying incomes of seniors requesting credit, setting up special payment plans, and processing payments and credits. Only 2,600 seniors have decided not to join the program to date. The Department of Health is making every effort to ensure the 6,000 seniors who have not yet responded are contacted. The association representing pharmacists has offered to assist the department by advising these seniors at the pharmacy level to contact Pharmacare. The Pharmacare board of directors, introduced in September 1995 to manage the Pharmacare program, is addressing a variety of issues. These include the current income levels used to determine credits for married and single seniors and the eligibility criteria for seniors who do not join Pharmacare at this time and decide to join later. The board is working with physicians, pharmacists and seniors to develop educational programs for seniors that focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the proper management of their medications. The board is also working with physicians and pharmacists to address the appropriate use of medication by seniors. The new Pharmacare program was introduced in April 1995 in response to increasing drug costs, more expensive drugs and an increasing seniors population. Seniors participating in the program are required to pay a $215 premium and a 20 per cent co-payment to a maximum of $200 a year. Low-income seniors are eligible to receive a credit of up to $300 from the province to help offset their costs. The costs for the program are shared 50/50 between seniors and the Nova Scotia government. Coverage termination letters for seniors who opted out of the program are currently being issued. The letter gives seniors another opportunity to join Pharmacare. They have the option to join the program within 30 days of receiving the letter. If anyone has any questions about Pharmacare, please call 1-800-563-8880. -30- Contact: Sue McKeage 902-424-3581 trp Jan. 09, 1996