Pharmacare Benefits - Department of Community Services

Questions and Answers

Eligibility

Who is eligible for the drug coverage provided by Community Services?

The Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) Act and Regulations are the governing authority for the Income Assistance, Extended and Transitional Programs.

The Social Assistance Act (SA) is the governing authority for the Community Supports for Adults eligibility decisions. Both programs have their respective policies to support the decision making process for the staff of Income Assistance and Community Supports for Adults.

The ESIA policy manual provides information, clarification, authority levels and ministerial direction supporting legislation.

How can I find out if I am eligible for the drug coverage provided by Community Services?

Please contact the Department of Community Services to determine eligibility.

Coverage

What drug coverage is available through Community Services?

The Department of Community Services provides drug coverage to:

• Income Assistance clients;
• Services For Persons with Disabilities;
• Extended Pharmacare clients;
• Transitional Pharmacare clients; and
• Children in the care of child welfare through either a District Office of the Department of Community Services or a Children's Aid Society/Family and Children's Services Agency.

What drug coverage is provided?

Please see the Pharmacare Benefits section for more information about Community Services Pharmacare benefits.

Once I have Community Services drug coverage, how do I get my drugs?

Your Nova Scotia Health Card is also your Pharmacare card. You must show your card to the pharmacist to get your Pharmacare benefits. Only the person whose name is on the card can use it. You should check the expiry date on your card to ensure that it does not need to be replaced. If your card is expired or if you lose your card please call 1-800-563-8880 for information on obtaining a replacement.