SASKATCHEWAN CUTS DRUG COSTS FOR SENIORS

Seniors in this province will pay no more than $15 per prescription for drugs listed under the Saskatchewan Formulary.  That is the guarantee of the Government of Saskatchewan’s new multi-million dollar enhancement to the Seniors’ Drug Plan.

“My government is providing the most significant expansion of health services for seniors in a generation,” Premier Lorne Calvert said.  “We recognize the important role seniors play in Saskatchewan and it is vital that we help make sure their healthcare is affordable at a time when prescription drug costs are quickly and constantly increasing.”

Under the Seniors’ Drug Plan, all Saskatchewan residents 65 years of age and older are eligible.  Seniors will be automatically covered based on Health Registration Card information; no application is required. 

“It is clear that seniors, on average, rely more on prescription drugs than non-seniors,” Health Minister Len Taylor said.  “With 115,000 seniors saving an average of $400 per year, we think this program will play a role in building a better future for Saskatchewan families.”

The program goes into effect July 1 at a cost of $35.7 million in 2007.  The annual cost of the Seniors’ Drug Plan is estimated at $53.1 million.

“We have heard from seniors who say that the rising cost of prescription drugs is having a direct impact on the quality of their life,” Minister Responsible for Seniors Graham Addley said.  “The new Seniors’ Drug Plan recognizes the important contributions that seniors have made in our province and ensures that cost is not a barrier to seniors accessing prescription drugs.”

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.  Palliative care patients and those covered by Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) will continue to receive Saskatchewan Formulary drugs at no cost.

Additional information on the Seniors’ Drug Plan will be provided to Saskatchewan seniors in June, prior to program implementation.  For program details, contact the Saskatchewan Drug Plan at 1-800-667-7581.

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For more information, contact:

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