Under the new Seniors’ Drug Plan, eligible seniors 65 years and older will pay only $15 per prescription for drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary and those approved under Exception Drug Status.

Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of your medications may qualify for Exception Drug Status. Maximum Allowable Cost and Low Cost Alternative policies continue to apply.

The new plan came into effect July 1, 2008.

Program eligibility is determined by age and the income reported on your income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency. You must:

1. Be a Saskatchewan resident 65 years of age or older with a valid Saskatchewan Health card.
2. Be eligible for the federal age credit, which is based on the annual net income you reported on Line 236 of your income tax form in the previous year.

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.

If you already pay less than $15 per prescription …
You will continue to do so. For example, if your medication is $15.00 per prescription under the Seniors’ Drug Plan, but $11 under the Special Support program, you will continue to pay $11.00 for that prescription.

There will be no change in coverage for those seniors who have:

• Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) – Chronic Renal, Cystic Fibrosis, Para
• Palliative care programs

You can apply for the Seniors’ Drug Plan up to two months before you turn 65.

• If you apply before your 65th birthday and your application is approved, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you turn 65.
• If you apply after your 65th birthday and your application is approved, your coverage will begin once your application is processed by the Drug Plan.

To apply for the program, each eligible senior must complete and sign an application and consent form.

• By using Form A, (see form below) you are giving the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch permission to update your coverage annually. Your coverage will be automatically renewed each year as long as you file your income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. You will be notified if there has been a change in your coverage.

If you do not file income tax or would rather submit your financial information annually, please contact the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch for additional information.

Please forward your completed application to:

Seniors’ Drug Plan - Operations Unit
Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch
3475 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4S 6X6

If you have submitted an application to the plan, you will receive a letter in the mail to inform you either that you have been approved for coverage, or that you do not currently meet the eligibility requirements.

Once approved for coverage, you will receive your eligible prescriptions for $15 drug automatically at the pharmacy. Your pharmacy will be aware of your coverage through the Drug Plan online network.

If you are not eligible for coverage and wish to appeal the assessment, or your situation has recently changed, contact the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch for more information.

For further information or questions about your drug coverage, call:

Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch
Toll-free  1-800-667-7581 
(in Regina,  787-3317)