Changes in Drug Benefits in Saskatchewan
The
Children’s Drug Plan
The
government of Saskatchewan has introduced a new
prescription drug benefit for
children ages 14 and
under. Effective July 1, 2008, the Children’s Drug
Plan will
cap the cost of drugs for children 14 and under at $15 per prescription
for drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary and those
approved under Exception Drug Status. Enrollment
in the plan is automatic for all children 14 and under.
The
Children’s Drug Plan does not include children who
are covered under federal
government programs
such as the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
Children who have coverage under the following programs
will continue to receive
their prescriptions at no cost: Supplementary Health, Family Health
Benefits, Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living
(SAIL) and Palliative care programs.
When having prescriptions filled, families will not be
required to show proof of
eligibility. Pharmacies will be aware of the coverage
through the Drug Plan online
network, and drugs
not covered by the program will be submitted to private
health plans for payment.
The
Seniors’ Drug Plan
The
government of Saskatchewan has amended the Seniors’
Drug Plan that took
effect in July 2007
to include an income-based eligibility test. This drug
plan allows residents 65 years and older to pay
only $15 for drugs listed on the Saskatchewan
Formulary and those approved under Exception Drug Status. As of July 1,
2008, seniors
must have an individual annual net income lower than
$64,044 to be eligible for coverage under the
Seniors’ Drug Plan. The Ministry of Health has
mailed out applications and information to nearly
150,000 Saskatchewan seniors who may be eligible.
Seniors who are covered under federal government
programs, such as the federal
Non-Insured Health Benefits Program or Veterans Affairs,
are not eligible for the
Seniors Drug Plan. There will be no change in coverage
for those seniors who
participate in the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent
Living (SAIL) or palliative care programs.
The current Seniors’ Drug Plan coverage will remain in
place until June 30, 2008;
starting July 1, coverage will be extended only to those
seniors who have applied
and met
the eligibility requirements. When having prescriptions
filled, seniors
