SENIORS’ DRUG PLAN COVERAGE BEGINS JULY 1

Under the government's new plan, Saskatchewan residents 65 years and older will pay no more than $15 for prescriptions under the Saskatchewan Formulary effective July 1, 2007 -- the 45th anniversary of Medicare.

Premier Lorne Calvert, Health Minister Len Taylor and Minister responsible for Seniors Graham Addley officially launched the Seniors' Drug Plan in Saskatoon this morning.

"The new Drug Plan is the most significant expansion of medicare in a generation," Calvert said. "It gives back to the seniors who have given so much to make Saskatchewan the best province to live, work and raise a family."

Saskatchewan seniors will be automatically covered under the Seniors' Drug Plan the month they turn 65; no application is required.

"The Seniors' Drug Plan is designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier to seniors accessing prescription drugs covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan," Taylor said. "Proper use of prescriptions assists in the management of chronic conditions and improves the quality of life of our province's older persons."

"We have heard from seniors who say that the rising cost of prescription drugs is having a direct impact on the quality of their lives," Addley said. "I am pleased to say that each Saskatchewan senior will benefit from this new plan, saving an average of $400 per year."

Low-income seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Saskatchewan Income Plan or Special Support coverage who currently pay less than $15 per prescription will continue to do so. Patients with palliative care coverage and those covered by certain Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living programs will continue to receive Saskatchewan Formulary drugs at no cost.

For Seniors' Drug Plan program information, contact Saskatchewan Drug Plan and Extended Benefits at 1-800-667-7581 or visit online at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca