Public drug programs provide drug coverage for a specific population. Federal, provincial and territorial governments offer many different drug programs, most of which have defined criteria for eligibility that include things like age, income, conditions or diseases, or drug costs.
This page gives you an overview of the programs available and their eligibility criteria. It helps you understand program differences so you can interpret data about drug use and spending, and make comparisons.
See the Formulary coverage page for details about the drugs included in each program’s formulary.
Note: An asterisk identifies programs that do not submit data to CIHI’s NPDUIS.
| Jurisdiction | Program group | Programs | Benefit information | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Seniors | 65Plus Plan | Eligible prescription drugs for seniors |
Residents 65 years of age and older who receive Old Age Security benefits and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Low-income | Access Plan | Eligible prescription drugs for low-income individuals and families |
Individuals and families with low income; the amount of coverage is determined by net income level and family status. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Low-income | Foundation Plan | Eligible prescription drugs for low-income individuals and families |
Individuals and families in receipt of income support benefits and services. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | High-cost/expensive drugs for rare diseases | Assurance Plan | Prescription drug coverage for individuals or families whose eligible drug costs exceed a certain amount relative to their income |
Individuals and families with annual net incomes below $150,000 who are financially burdened by high prescription costs. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | High-cost/expensive drugs for rare diseases | Select Needs Plan | Disease-specific medications and supplies for individuals with cystic fibrosis and growth hormone deficiency |
Residents who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or growth hormone deficiency. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Disease management, control and prevention | Ostomy Subsidy Program | Reimbursement for 75% of the retail cost of eligible ostomy items |
Residents who qualify for the 65Plus Plan are also eligible for the Ostomy Subsidy Program. |
| Prince Edward Island | Seniors | Seniors' Drug Program | Eligible prescription drugs for seniors |
Residents age 65 and older with a valid P.E.I. health card. |
| Prince Edward Island | Low-income | Family Health Benefit Drug Program | Eligible prescription drugs |
Residents with a valid P.E.I. health card who are from a low-income family and are supporting at least 1 child in the approved age categories. |
| Prince Edward Island | Low-income | Financial Assistance Drug Program | Eligible prescription drugs for individuals who receive financial assistance |
Individuals eligible for financial assistance under the Social Assistance Act and Regulations. |
| Prince Edward Island | Long-term care | Institutional Pharmacy Program* | Eligible medications for individuals in a government long-term care nursing home or manor |
Residents with a valid P.E.I. health card who are residents in a government long-term care nursing home or manor. |