Province Reaches Agreement with Pharmacists

Nova Scotians who rely on the province's Pharmacare programs for coverage of their prescription drugs will continue to get the same service they count on through a new tariff agreement reached with pharmacists in the province.

"As a government, we are committed to making life better for Nova Scotia families by helping them access the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy and manage illness," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. "This new agreement with pharmacists helps us to continue to meet this commitment through the Pharmacare programs."

The tariff agreement, which takes effect on July 1, is for a one-year term. The province compensates pharmacists for dispensing drugs and other professional services, such as medication reviews, through the tariff agreement.

"This agreement has been reached by the collaborative efforts of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia and the Department of Health," said Allison Bodnar, association executive director. "This agreement is a strong foundation on which we can build upon as we work together to expand the services pharmacists provide to Nova Scotians and to create an environment where pharmacists can practice their profession to the full extent of their abilities." "We are committed to working in partnership with our province's valued pharmacists to improve access to health care for families in every region. This one-year agreement allows us to take the time necessary to negotiate a longer-term agreement with pharmacists that is fair to all," said Ms. MacDonald.

As part of the agreement, there will be a 1.9 per cent increase in the professional fee paid to pharmacies by government through the Pharmacare programs.

The Department of Health and the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia have agreed to form a working group to look at areas where pharmacists may be able to play an increased role in making health care better for Nova Scotians in the future. The working group will be in place by the end of July.

In 2009, 180,000 Nova Scotians were eligible for coverage through Pharmacare programs. Pharmacare programs include, Seniors and Family Pharmacare, Diabetes Assistance Program, Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients, Pharmacare benefits through the Department of Community Services, and Pharmacare benefits to residents of long-term care facilities who are under 65 years of age.