Seniors’ Pharmacare Program

The Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare program is a provincial drug insurance plan that helps members with the cost of their prescription drugs.

To become a member, you must live in Nova Scotia, have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card, be at least 65 years old, and not have prescription drug coverage under any other plan or programs.

Once you are enrolled, your Nova Scotia Health Card becomes your Pharmacare Card.

As a member, you will pay an annual premium based on your household income. You will also pay an annual copayment either at the pharmacy or directly to the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program.

Both the premium and the copayment amounts have annual maximums. The province covers the rest of the costs. You can calculate your Seniors’ Pharmacare premium using our online calculator.

Some members may be eligible for a reduced or waived premium.

Benefits

The Seniors' Pharmacare Program pays for drugs and some supplies, which are indicated as benefits in the Nova Scotia Formulary.

To be eligible for benefits under the Program, an individual must:

• Be a resident of Nova Scotia,
• Be age sixty-five (65) years and over,
• Have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card, and
• Not have prescription drug coverage under any other plan or program.

Enrolment

Program information and enrolment packages are mailed to residents with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card approximately three months prior to their 65th birthday. Program details can be found in our Seniors’ Pharmacare Program – Information Booklet. For more information or to receive an enrolment package, call 429-6565 (local) or 1-800-544-6191 (toll free) Monday to Friday.

Coverage for sensor-based glucose monitoring

You have several options for sensor-based glucose monitoring coverage. Options include the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program, Seniors’ Pharmacare Program, Family Pharmacare Program and Department of Community Services Pharmacare Benefits Program. You can only have coverage under 1 program (compare the programs to determine what program best suits your personal and financial needs).

If you're already enrolled in the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program, Family Pharmacare Program or receive benefits from the Department of Community Services, you can complete the Pharmacare Programs Request for Insured Coverage of Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Products Form (PDF) to request sensor-based glucose monitoring coverage.