What prescription drugs are covered in Alberta?

Categories: Prescriptions 

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) does not cover the cost of prescription drugs for most Albertans.

The Alberta government highly recommends that people in the province obtain private health insurance to cover the cost of prescription drugs. In many cases, the cost of prescription medication is covered by health insurance provided by employers, and is readily available from a variety of private insurers.

However, some prescription drugs are covered - usually in special cases. For example, prescription medications that are given inside a hospital or nursing home are covered by the AHCIP.

There are also special drug coverage plans available for seniors over 65 years old, and for people who need Palliative Care medication. Palliative care drugs are for people who are terminally ill and need medication to relieve pain or other symptoms.

In addition to the coverage above, there are a few other programs run by the Alberta government to help people fund the cost of medication for some conditions. It should be noted that unless you have one of the conditions below, or you are over 65 or need palliative care drugs, you will likely be responsible for the cost of your medication.

Province Wide Services

Province Wide Services cover the cost of expensive, specialized prescription medication. This program is available in Edmonton and Calgary only, but all Albertans can use it. This program covers the cost of:

  • Transplant Drugs: Patents can get covered for the cost of immunosuppressants
  • HIV drugs: Patients with HIV can have their medication covered

 

Other specialized drugs covered include

  • Pulmozyme (cystic fibrosis)
  • Human Growth Hormone (used for hormone deficiency and renal failure)
  • Flolan (used for pulmonary hypertension)
  • Visudyne (used for wet age-related macular degeneration)

Cancer Medication

The Alberta Cancer Board sometimes provides medically necessary cancer medication at no cost to patients.

Drugs for Disease Control

Drugs used to stop the spread of diseases like tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections are provided at no cost.

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