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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | Disease management, control and prevention | Tuberculosis Drug Program* | Eligible prescription drugs for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) |
Residents with a valid P.E.I. health card who have a confirmed TB diagnosis or are at increased risk due to exposure to TB. |
| Prince Edward Island | Diabetes | Diabetes Drug Program | Eligible diabetes drugs and supplies |
Residents with a valid P.E.I. health card who have been diagnosed with diabetes. |
| Prince Edward Island | Diabetes | Glucose Sensor Program* | Reduced cost of glucose sensors |
Persons diagnosed with diabetes who are eligible for and registered with the program. |
| Prince Edward Island | Diabetes | Insulin Pump Program* | Eligible insulin pumps and supplies for children, youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes |
Individuals under the age of 25 with a valid P.E.I. health card who have been referred to the provincial Diabetes Program and who meet certain medical criteria. |
| Prince Edward Island | Other | Community Nutrition Program* | Nutritional guidance for people who are pregnant and feeding and nutritional support and advice for new parents |
High-risk pregnant women with a nutritional deficiency or low-income pregnant women who receive or are in need of financial assistance. |
| Prince Edward Island | Universal | Generic Drug Program | Eligible generic prescription drugs that are listed on the provincial formulary |
Residents under the age of 65 with a valid P.E.I. health card who do not have private drug insurance coverage. |
| Nova Scotia | Seniors | Seniors’ Pharmacare Program | Eligible prescription drugs and supplies for seniors |
Residents 65 years of age and older with a valid Nova Scotia health card who do not have prescription drug coverage through any other drug plan. |
| Nova Scotia | Seniors | Family Pharmacare Program | Eligible prescription drugs |
Residents with a valid Nova Scotia health card who do not have prescription drug coverage through other provincial programs; eligibility is not restricted by age and coverage is available for families (including dependent children). |
| Nova Scotia | Low-income | Community Services Pharmacare Benefits | Eligible prescription drugs, devices and related services dispensed by pharmacists |
Recipients of the Income Assistance Program and the Disability Support Program, and children in the care of child welfare services. |
| Nova Scotia | Long-term care | Under 65 — Long-Term Care Pharmacare Plan | Prescription drug coverage to eligible residents of long-term care facilities |
Residents of a long-term care facility who are under age 65, have a valid Nova Scotia health card and do not have drug coverage from another public or private plan. |