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NEWS RELEASE (CNS929) -->> HEALTH--NO CHANGE IN SENIORS'
PHARMACARE PREMIUM AND CO-PAYMENT




HEALTH--NO CHANGE IN SENIORS' PHARMACARE PREMIUM AND CO-PAYMENT
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The Nova Scotia Department of Health and the Nova Scotia Seniors'
Pharmacare board of directors announced today there will be no
increase in the Pharmacare premium and co-pay for next year. The
premium will remain at $215 and the co-pay at 20 per cent to a
maximum of $200 a year.

"We are pleased to accept the board of directors recommendation
that no change be made to the premium and co-pay rates next
year," said Health Minister Bernie Boudreau. "Based on the
program's performance to date this year it is a realistic
expectation that the program will be at a break-even point in the
near future. We feel comfortable accepting the board's
recommendation and congratulate them on their efforts to keep the
program affordable for seniors."

The Pharmacare board, comprised mainly of seniors, meets
regularly to oversee the Pharmacare program and to ensure it is
responding to seniors' needs. They are working with Nova Scotia's
physicians and pharmacists to discuss different aspects of drug
therapy and how seniors, physicians and pharmacists can work
together to ensure the most appropriate medications are
prescribed. Educating seniors on healthy living is another key
objective.

"The board is continuing to work in the best interest of
seniors," said Dean Salsman, chair of Pharmacare's board of
directors. "Pharmacare is an important program for seniors which
we want to help preserve at an affordable cost."

The Seniors' Pharmacare program's annual report was also released
today. The total cost for the program, from April 1, 1995 to
March 31, 1996, was $82,294,336. Seniors contributed $31.3
million to the overall program costs. The province paid the
remaining $50.8 million.

Pharmacare covers approximately 3,500 drugs. More than 107,000
seniors are currently participating in the Pharmacare program.

Bills for participating in Pharmacare next year will be mailed to
seniors in January for payment in April. Seniors will once again
have the option to pay their premium payment in one lump sum,
monthly or quarterly payments.

Seniors can call Pharmacare at 1-800-544-6191 or, for local
calls, 429-6565 for information. Copies of the Pharmacare annual
report can be obtained by contacting the Senior Citizens'
Secretariat at 1-800-670-0065.

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Contact: Sue McKeage  902-424-3581

trp                 Dec. 11, 1996 - 2:20 p.m.