A new drug program for palliative care patients in Alberta will provide premium-free coverage and reduced prescription costs through Alberta Blue Cross.
Patients apply for the benefit through their physician.
Patients present their Alberta Blue Cross identification card to pharmacists when picking up prescriptions. The new program provides these patients, who face high drug costs, with access to a benefit plan without premium fees, says Greg Eberhardt, registrar of the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. A committee is presently studying the idea of including injectable drugs and pumps under this program.