Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare helps residents 65 or older with a valid Health Card and no other drug coverage. You pay an income-based annual premium and a 30% copayment per prescription, each with an annual maximum.
Applies in: Nova Scotia
Apply for Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare with the Seniors' Pharmacare Program Registration Form, online or on paper, if you are 65 or older, a Nova Scotia resident with a valid Health Card, and you have no prescription drug coverage under another program or plan. The Government of Nova Scotia states that you can apply any time, that there is no cost to apply, and that it should take 1 to 2 weeks to find out if your application is approved.
Seniors' Pharmacare is a provincial drug assistance plan that helps seniors with the cost of prescription drugs and some supplies. Once you are enrolled, your Health Card becomes your Pharmacare Card. It is a separate program from Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare, which covers residents under 65. This guide covers the Seniors' Pharmacare application only and gives no advice on which program suits you.
You can apply for the program if you:
Each senior needs to apply individually, regardless of marital status. If you have a valid Health Card, the program sends you an application package, and you should get it before your 65th birthday.
The program pays for drugs, supplies and related services. The Nova Scotia Formulary sets out which drugs and supplies are benefits under the program.
Step 1: Read the program guide first. Review the detailed program criteria in the Seniors' Pharmacare Program Guide before you complete the form.
Step 2: Complete the registration form online. When you submit the form online you need to create an account or sign in. You can complete the form online without uploading a PDF if you opt in to receive MSI correspondence online and MSI Resident Services emails you to confirm you can complete the process online.
Step 3: Check the form for supporting documents. The form itself lists all required supporting documents. Have ready your Health Card number and your spouse's if applicable, your Social Insurance Number and your spouse's if applicable, and all adults available to sign the form if applicable.
Step 4: Submit the form and documents. Submit your completed form and supporting documents.
Paper route. If you would like to receive a paper application form by mail, contact the Seniors' Pharmacare Program.
Timing. It should take 1 to 2 weeks to find out if your application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application has not been filled in correctly.
Renewal. You need to renew by 1 April each year. It is your responsibility to renew on time. The program year runs April 1 to March 31.
Keep your information current. Notify both the Seniors' Pharmacare Program and MSI Resident Services if your personal information changes, such as a change of address.
There is no cost to apply. Participation carries two costs, and both have annual maximums, with the province covering the rest of the costs:
One coverage point cuts across programs: sensor-based glucose monitoring is available through several Nova Scotia options, including the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program, Seniors' Pharmacare, Family Pharmacare and the Department of Opportunities and Social Development Pharmacare Benefits Program. You can only have coverage under one program.
The Nova Scotia pages opened for this guide state the eligibility list, the application steps, the 1 to 2 week decision time, the premium being based on household income with an annual maximum, and the 30% per-prescription copayment option. The current apply page read here does not state the dollar amounts of the annual premium maximum or the annual copayment maximum, so this guide gives neither figure. Older provincial comparison sheets state dollar maximums, but they are dated and this guide does not carry them as current.
| Annual premium | Based on your household income, with an annual maximum; some members get a reduced or waived premium |
|---|---|
| Copayment, per-prescription option | 30% copayment per prescription, paid at the pharmacy |
| Copayment, direct maximum option | Pay the annual maximum copayment directly to the Seniors' Pharmacare Program instead of per prescription |
| Cost to apply | No cost to apply; the annual premium applies once you participate |
| Decision time and renewal | 1 to 2 weeks to find out if your application is approved; renew by 1 April each year |
Once you are enrolled, your Health Card becomes your Pharmacare Card. Each senior applies individually, regardless of marital status. The program year runs April 1 to March 31.
You can apply if you are 65 or older, are a Nova Scotia resident, have a Health Card that is not expired, and do not have prescription drug coverage under other programs or plans. Each senior needs to apply individually, regardless of marital status.
Review the detailed program criteria in the Seniors' Pharmacare Program Guide, complete the Seniors' Pharmacare Program Registration Form online, check the form for the supporting documents it requires, and submit the form and documents. If you want a paper application form by mail, contact the Seniors' Pharmacare Program.
Have the program guide reviewed, the Health Card number for you and your spouse if applicable, the Social Insurance Number for you and your spouse if applicable, and all adults available to sign the form if applicable. To submit online you create an account or sign in.
There is no cost to apply. As a member you pay an annual premium based on your household income, and a copayment. Both the premium and the copayment have annual maximums, and the province covers the rest. Some members may be eligible for a reduced or waived premium. You can pay a 30% copayment per prescription at the pharmacy, or pay the annual maximum copayment directly to the program.
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to find out if your application is approved, and longer if more information is needed or the form is filled in incorrectly. You need to renew by 1 April each year, and it is your responsibility to renew on time.
Seniors' Pharmacare is the program for Nova Scotia residents 65 or older. Family Pharmacare is the separate Nova Scotia program for residents under 65 who do not have other drug coverage. The two programs have different application forms, and you can only have sensor-based glucose monitoring coverage under one program.