May 31, 2023 – Government of PEI: PEI to expand provincial drug coverage to make medication more affordable and accessible. No Canadian should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many are faced with this impossible decision every day. As part of the Improving Affordable Access to Prescriptions Drugs (IAAPD) program, supported by the Government of Canada, the Government of PEI will reduce Island residents’ out-of-pocket costs on many prescription medicines.
Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s Minister of Health, and Mark McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness for Prince Edward Island (PEI) announced that as of June 1, 2023, PEI will expand its provincial drug coverage to reduce copays for almost 60% of medications regularly used by Island residents, and increase access to the provincial High-Cost Drug Program.
More specifically, these program changes will include:
- Reducing copays for commonly prescribed, eligible medications to $5 for residents covered under the Seniors Drug, the Family Health Benefit, as well as the Generic Drug and Diabetes Drug programs. This includes medications used to manage mental health, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and represents about 60% of prescriptions that Island residents use on a regular basis.
- Adjusting the High-Cost Drug Program to remove financial and administrative barriers for those in the lowest income brackets.
These latest improvements to the province’s drug program mark another important milestone in improving the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs for Island residents that will result in better health outcomes for many. Details on PEI’s support for the cost of prescription medication are available here.
Read the full news release here