Drugs Assistance for Cancer Patients - FAQ

Nova Scotia Pharmacare

Drugs Assistance for Cancer Patients Questions and Answers

Program Information

What is the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

The Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program is a provincial drug insurance plan designed to help Nova Scotians with the cost of certain cancer-related drugs and supplies. The program is designed to assist low-income Nova Scotians who do not have drug coverage.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to register for the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

You may apply if you have been diagnosed with cancer and:

  • are a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card,
  • have a gross family income no greater than $35,000 per year, and
  • do not have drug coverage under any other drug program, except Family Pharmacare or Seniors’ Pharmacare.

Do I need a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) to register?

Yes, you have to apply for and receive a Nova Scotia Health Card before you can register for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program. Only people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card can receive benefits from  the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program.

For more information, go to the Nova Scotia Health Card page.

Application

How do I apply for the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

Complete an Assistance for Cancer Patients Program – Registration Form (PDF) and mail or fax it, with a copy of the most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment or Reassessment from Canada Revenue Agency for the person applying, their parent(s) or guardian(s), spouse or common-law partner, to:

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients
Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs
PO Box 500
Halifax NS, B3J 2S1
Fax: (902) 468-9402

If you have any questions regarding the assistance provided or the application process, please call 496-7001 or toll free 1-800-305-5026.

Cost

How much does it cost to receive benefits through the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

When your application has been approved, patients do not pay for the drugs and devices which are benefits of the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program.

Once I join the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program, how do I get my medication?

When you take a prescription to the pharmacy, you must show your Nova Scotia Health Card. If the drug or device is covered by Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients, the cost of the prescription is billed directly to Pharmacare.

Coverage

What benefits are covered?

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients pays for certain prescribed drugs and devices listed as benefits in the Nova Scotia Formulary. A committee of experts keeps the benefit list updated based on the latest evidence. Prescriptions must be filled by a Nova Scotia pharmacy to be paid for by Pharmacare.

For some drugs, your prescriber will need special approval from Pharmacare before the drug is paid for you.

Please see Pharmacare Benefits and Reimbursement for more information.

Other Questions

What happens if I forget my card and have to pay for my prescription?

If you forget your Nova Scotia Health Card, you will have to pay for the prescription at the pharmacy. You can then get reimbursed for the portion Pharmacare would have paid.

To do this, you must send original receipts to Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients at the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs within six months of the purchase. If received after six months, receipts will not be considered for reimbursement.

To avoid processing delays, include your:

  • name
  • address
  • phone number
  • Nova Scotia Health Card number

What if I travel outside Nova Scotia?

If you plan to travel outside the province, you must make sure you have enough medication and supplies for your trip. We recommend you purchase health insurance before you depart. The Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program will not pay for prescriptions filled in a pharmacy outside Nova Scotia. Exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis. For prescriptions filled outside of Canada, there is no reimbursement, emergency or otherwise.