News release

Government to Cover Extra Dispensing Fees for Pharmacare Clients

COVID-19
Health and Wellness

Government will now pay extra dispensing fees for Pharmacare clients for refills on prescriptions that would usually be filled for longer periods. For example, government will cover the second and third refill dispensing fees for prescriptions typically dispensed for 90 days.

In March, the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists recommended that pharmacists dispense prescriptions every 30 days that would usually be filled for a longer period of time. This step was taken as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect the drug supply and is similar to measures in place in other parts of the country.

“We understand some people are feeling the financial strain of additional dispensing fees,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “This will help people keep a little more money in their pockets, while protecting the drug supply to ensure Nova Scotians can get the medications they need.”

Government will also waive the $5.00 prescription co-pay for clients of the Income Assistance program and the Low Income Pharmacare for Children program.

These temporary measures take effect Thursday, April 23.

Nova Scotia has recorded 12 deaths related to COVID-19 and a total of 772 positive test results. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. Ten individuals are currently in hospital, three of those in ICU. Three hundred and thirty individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data .

If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca/ to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:

  • fever
  • new or worsening cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • headache

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .

Quick Facts:

  • testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
  • a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to May 3

Additional Resources:

Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397

Northwood: https://nwood.ns.ca/

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free).

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free).

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