May 31, 2023 | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island | Health Canada
No Canadian should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many are faced with this impossible decision every day. As part of the Improving Affordable Access to Prescriptions Drugs (IAAPD) program, supported by the Government of Canada, the Government of PEI will reduce Island residents' out-of-pocket costs on many prescription medicines.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada's Minister of Health, and the Honourable Mark V. McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness for Prince Edward Island (PEI), announced that as of June 1, 2023, PEI will expand its provincial drug coverage to reduce copays for almost 60% of medications regularly used by Island residents, and increase access to the provincial High-Cost Drug Program.
More specifically, these program changes will include:
- Reducing copays for commonly prescribed, eligible medications to $5 for residents covered under the Seniors Drug, the Family Health Benefit, as well as the Generic Drug and Diabetes Drug programs. This includes medications used to manage mental health, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and represents about 60% of prescriptions that Island residents use on a regular basis.
- Adjusting the High-Cost Drug Program to remove financial and administrative barriers for those in the lowest income brackets.
