News Release Archive
HEALTH--NO INCREASE IN PHARMACARE PREMIUM OR CO-PAYMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------- There will be no increase in the Pharmacare premium or co-payment in 1996-97 and at the same time the income level to qualify low-income married seniors for a credit refund will be increased from $21,000 to $24,000, the Nova Scotia Seniors Pharmacare Board of Directors announced today. The second year of the new program begins April 1, 1996. "The board is making every effort to protect seniors against increased payments whenever possible," said Dean Salsman, chair, Seniors' Pharmacare Board of Directors. "We are very pleased there will be no increase in the premium and co-payment next year." Pharmacare is a provincial drug insurance program available to all seniors, regardless of their current health status or pre-existing health condition, to help them manage their prescription drug costs. The $215 annual premium and 20 per cent co-payment to a maximum of $200 will continue for 1996-97. Single and married low-income seniors will continue to qualify for a credit refund of up to $300 from the province to help offset the cost of their premium. Seniors can pay their premium in a variety of ways next year ranging from one lump sum, monthly or quarterly payments to using their bank card. The board of directors also announced an increase in the family income level to qualify low-income married seniors for a credit refund. Many married seniors believed the income level was too low and did not accurately reflect their cost of living. The board responded to their concerns. Starting April 1, married seniors with a family income of up to $24,000 will be eligible for a credit refund. Last year the income level was up to $21,000. The income level to qualify low-income single seniors for a credit refund remains at $15,000 to $18,000. Late-entry requirements for seniors joining Pharmacare were also announced by the board today. "We took into consideration that 1995-96 was a transition year so we wanted to be fair to seniors who needed extra time to make their decision as well as to those already in the program and to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of the program," said Mr. Salsman. Seniors joining Pharmacare late this year, but before April 1, 1996, will pay the same premium and co-payment as those seniors who joined the program earlier. Many of the seniors who are joining the program late have had their prescription drug costs covered by Pharmacare since the new program was introduced on April 1, 1995. The late-entry requirement for seniors who are eligible to join the program this year but decide to join after April 1, 1996 is a $430 premium for one year only as well as the 20 per cent co-payment. They will not pay any less than a senior who joined the program earlier. There will also be a 90-day waiting period before their Pharmacare coverage begins. Starting April 1, 1997, anyone joining the program after their deadline has passed will be required to pay one and one-half times the annual premium for that year and every year thereafter and wait 90 days before their Pharmacare coverage begins. The co-payment would remain the same for all seniors. All seniors turning 65 will be given three months to decide whether or not they want to join the program before they are subject to late-entry requirements. "The board of directors decision to hold the premium and co-payment for this year demonstrates the board's ability to work in the best interest of the seniors in this province while ensuring the program costs are being met," said Health Minister Ron Stewart. Seniors who have not paid their premium payment or who have opted out of the program and have since changed their minds must contact Pharmacare before April 1, 1996 to avoid any late-entry requirements. Seniors can call the new toll-free Pharmacare number 1-800-544-6191 or, for local calls, 429-6565 if they have any questions. -30- NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder can be obtained by calling 902-424-4492 or toll-free 1-800-670-4357. Contact: Sue McKeage 902-424-3581 trp Mar. 13, 1996 - 12:40 p.m.