Drug benefit
considerations

Tips to help you save money on prescription drugs

• Confirm the cost of your medications with your pharmacist before filling your prescription.
• Ask your pharmacist if there is a lower-cost alternative or generic product available.
• Consider an individual benefits plan to supplement government coverage and save you money in the long term.
• Understand that some plans may cover only generic medications if they’re available. Check your plan and confirm what the co-payments for your prescription drugs will be, the maximum amount your plan will pay per year and any other necessary details. When purchasing medications, check which payment option will be the least expensive.
• Some things to consider include whether there is a generic version of a preferred medicine and whether an over-the-counter equivalent costs less than your copayment.

What other programs are available to help with drug coverage?

The seniors health benefits Coverage for Seniors program, a premium-free and government-sponsored program for those aged 65 years and older, and the premium-based Non-Group Coverage for those under 65 years old cover prescription drugs listed in the Alberta Drug Benefit List with a co-payment of 30 per cent to a maximum of $25. For most prescriptions, you won’t pay more than $25 per medication. Both programs include up to a three-month supply of medication coverage.

The government-sponsored Non-Group Coverage, for those under 65 years old, provides the same drug coverage as the Coverage for Seniors program but also provides coverage for your spouse and dependents. There is a $50 annual fee for this plan.