HIV Drug Program

If you require HIV medication, you may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs through the HIV Drug Program.

Am I eligible for HIV treatment medication?

You are eligible for the program if you 

• are a PEI resident as defined by the Drug Cost Assistance Act;
• have a valid PEI Health Card;
• test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or
• are diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Am I eligible for the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication?

You are eligible for the program if you

• are a PEI resident as defined by the Drug Cost Assistance Act;
• have a valid PEI Health Card;
• test negative for HIV
• are at risk for acquiring HIV infection

For more information, visit Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (CATIE).  

Am I eligible for the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication?

You are eligible for PEP if you:

• are a PEI resident as defined by the Drug Cost Assistance Act;
• have a valid PEI Health Card;
• had a needle-stick injury that occurred in the community 
• had a sexual encounter where you may have been exposed to HIV
• had an exposure to HIV through injection drug use

Contact your primary health care provider or the Sexual Health Clinic for a referral/prescription and to provide follow-up care.

For more information, visit Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (CATIE).  

How do I apply?

1. A physician/nurse practitioner must submit a request for registration in the HIV Drug Program to the Chief Public Health Office.
2. Once your referral to the program has been approved by the Chief Public Health Officer, your name will be forwarded to the Provincial Pharmacy.

How much of the medication cost will be covered?

All costs of approved medications are covered by the program.    

Are medication costs covered for all HIV medications prescribed by my physician?

Some medications in the PEI Pharmacare Formulary are approved on a special authorization basis only. If your physician prescribes a drug in this category, he or she can submit a Standard Special Authorization Request form [PDF | 34KB] to have a medication considered for coverage. If your medication is not included in the PEI Pharmacare Formulary, it will not be eligible for coverage.  

Where can I get my medication?

Once you are registered with the program, you can pick up your medications at the Provincial Pharmacy. If you cannot pick up your medications, you can pay the courier cost and have them delivered to your home. 

Will I get a refund for medication I have already purchased?

Coverage is not retroactive; you will not be reimbursed for medications you have already purchased.

If your medication is not provided by Provincial Pharmacy, you will not be reimbursed for medications filled at an alternate pharmacy.

What if I move away from PEI?

Your eligibility for this program will end the day you leave PEI to take up residency elsewhere.

How do I contact the Chief Public Health Office?

Chief Public Health Office
Department of Health and Wellness
16 Fitzroy Street
Sullivan Building
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone: (920) 368-4996

How can I contact PEI Pharmacare?

PEI Pharmacare 
16 Fitzroy Street
Sullivan Building
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone: (902) 368-4947 
Toll free: 1-877-577-3737