Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients

Questions and Answers

Program Information

What is the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients is funded by the provincial Pharmacare Programs to help Nova Scotians with the cost of certain cancer-related drugs and supplies. The program is designed to assist low-income Nova Scotians who do not have drug coverage.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to register for the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

You may apply if you have been diagnosed with cancer and:

• You are a resident of Nova Scotia, and
• You have a gross family income no greater than $15,720 per year, and
• You do not have drug coverage under any other drug program, except Family Pharmacare.

Do I need a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) to register?

Yes, you have to apply for and receive a Nova Scotia Health Card before you can register for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients. Only people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card can receive benefits from Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients.

For more information on obtaining a Nova Scotia Health Card go to MSI site.

Enrollment

How do I register for the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

Complete a registration form and mail or fax it, with a copy of the most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment or Reassessment from Canada Revenue Agency for the person applying, their parent(s) or guardian(s), spouse or common-law partner, to:

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients
Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs
PO Box 500 Halifax NS, B3J 2S1
Fax: (902) 468-9402

Get a copy of the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program Registration Form ( PDF).

Cost

How much does it cost to receive benefits through the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

When your application has been approved, you do not pay for the drugs and supplies which are benefits for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients.

Once I join the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program, how do I get my medication?

When you take a prescription to the pharmacy you must show your Nova Scotia Health Card. If the drug or supply is covered by Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients, the cost of the prescription is billed directly to Pharmacare.

Coverage

What medications are paid for by the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program?

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients pays for certain prescribed drugs and supplies listed as benefits in the Nova Scotia Formulary . A committee of experts keep the benefit list updated based on the latest evidence. Prescriptions must be filled by a Nova Scotia pharmacy to be paid for by Pharmacare.

For some drugs, your prescriber will need special approval from Pharmacare before the drug is paid for you.

Get more information on Pharmacare benefits.

Other Programs

Can I switch from the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program to the Family Pharmacare Program?

You can switch from one program to the other, but you are permitted to be in both Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients and the Family Pharmacare Program. If you wish to switch, you can only switch when it is time to renew your application - April 1 of each year. You cannot switch at any other time during the year.

For more information on specific programs, please refer to www.nspharmacare.ca

Other Questions

What happens if I forget my card and have to pay for my prescription?

If you forget your Nova Scotia Health Card, you will have to pay for the prescription at the pharmacy. You can then get reimbursed for the portion Pharmacare would have paid.

To do this, you must send original receipts to Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients at the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs within six months of the purchase. If received after six months, receipts will not be considered for reimbursement.

To avoid processing delays, submit original receipts and include your name, address, phone number and Nova Scotia Health Card number .

What if I travel outside Nova Scotia?

Be sure to take enough medication and supplies for your trip, plus extra in case of delays. Prescriptions filled at a pharmacy outside Nova Scotia , but inside Canada , will be reimbursed in medical emergencies only. Outside of Canada , there is no reimbursement, emergency or otherwise. We recommend that you purchase health insurance before you depart on your trip.