News release

Province to Provide Palliative Home Care Drug Coverage

Health and Wellness

Palliative home care patients will now receive drug coverage at no cost to help them manage their symptoms, Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald announced today, Sept. 23.

"This is about giving Nova Scotians the option to spend their last days in a setting of their choice, including the comfort of their own home," said Ms. Maureen MacDonald. "It will also remove any financial burden families may face when paying for medications in order to keep their loved ones at home."

This option has been available in some parts of Nova Scotia. Government will fund this coverage in all areas of the province, beginning Feb. 1, 2012. There will be no co-payment fees, alleviating some of the pressure on families who are trying to make the choice between hospitalization and staying at home.

"This is a step toward supporting quality end-of-life care," said Ms. MacDonald. "Government wants to give Nova Scotians options to say in their homes."

More details on specific drug coverage will be available early in 2012.

Over the next few months, the Department of Health and Wellness will work with its partners in the district health authorities to provide this option to all Nova Scotians.

Brenda Payne, president of the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association, said the announcement will improve care for Nova Scotians.

"We have been advocating for equal access to drug coverage, associated with the needs of end-of-life care for many years," said Ms. Payne. "We look forward to reviewing the details of the plan and we're thrilled to hear that all Nova Scotians will no longer have to worry about how they will pay for their medications at an important time in their life's journey."