Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy
Why a pharmaceutical strategy?
In December 2008, Alberta Health and Wellness announced the Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy. This strategy is being implemented in 2 phases and is designed to help make drug coverage more accessible, sustainable and affordable for all Albertans.Phase 2, announced October 20, 2009, focuses on generic drug prices and expanding the roles of pharmacists.
Phase 1, announced December 2008, focuses on the seniors’ drug plan, non-group coverage, rare diseases and an improved drug approval process.
Seniors’ drug program delayed
Proposed changes to the seniors’ drug program, which were scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2010, have been delayed.
This postponement will provide government with more time to make necessary legislative and regulatory changes and to ensure the program aligns with other government programs for seniors.
During the interim, the current seniors' drug program will remain available to all Albertans 65 years and older. Seniors with this coverage will continue to pay a co-payment of 30% of each prescription's cost to a maximum of $25 per prescription. The program will continue to provide coverage for prescription drugs, ambulance services, clinical psychological services, and home nursing care.
Seniors with questions about their current coverage should contact Alberta Blue Cross.
- Read more information on the delay on the Alberta Blue Cross website.
More information
News
- New drug program for seniors delayed NR: March 31, 2010
- Albertans to benefit from reduced prices for existing generic drugs NR: January 28, 2010
- Alberta to reduce drug costs and increase access to new drugs NR: October 20, 2009
- Proposed legislation provides more accessible drug coverage, improved drug review process NR: April 29, 2009
- Government improves seniors' drug plan NR: April 23, 2009
- Province introduces new pharmaceutical strategy to benefit Albertans NR: December 8, 2008
May 2009 