Medications and Pharmacare Notes

Medications

  • A medication is a substance used to treat diseases and illnesses or to relieve pain.
  • Reasons people use medications:
    • To treat symptoms of an illness
    • To prevent a disease
    • To manage a disease
    • To cure a disease

Over the Counter Medications

  • Sold to people without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Purchased at local stores and pharmacies.
  • Used to treat the symptoms of many relatively minor health conditions.

Prescription Medications

  • Can only be sold to a person with a prescription from a doctor or other licensed health care professional.
  • In Nova Scotia, pharmacists can write prescriptions for minor ailments.
  • Different types of prescription medications have different functions.

Herbal Medications and Supplements

  • Sold to people without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Purchased at local stores and pharmacies.
  • Often used to improve general health.
  • Dietary supplements: Vitamins and minerals.
  • Herbal and natural products.

Pharmacare

  • A drug insurance plan designed to help individuals with the cost of their prescription drugs.
  • In Nova Scotia, there are two such programs:
    • Family Pharmacare
    • Seniors’ Pharmacare

Family Pharmacare

  • Helps cover the costs of certain prescribed drugs, supplies, and related services.
  • Eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
    • Agree to family income verification through the CRA and provide family size information each year.
  • There is no premium or fee to join the Family Pharmacare Program.

Seniors’ Pharmacare

  • Membership requirements:
    • Must live in Nova Scotia.
    • Have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
    • Be at least 65 years old.
    • Not have prescription drug coverage under any other plan or programs.
  • Pay an annual premium based on your household income.
  • Pay an annual copayment at the pharmacy or directly to the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program.

Definitions

  • Premium: a sum of money you pay (usually monthly) for insurance coverage.
  • Copayment: a flat fee you pay for a health care service, in this case prescription medication.