High Cost Drug Program

If you need assistance paying for medications, you may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs through the High Cost Drug Program.  

Am I eligible?

If you are a permanent resident of Prince Edward Island with a valid PEI Health Card, and filed your most recent income tax return in PEI, you will qualify for assistance according to your household income if you have been diagnosed with one of the following approved medical conditions:

Ankylosing Spondylitis:
If you have been diagnosed with moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis, you may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs.

Cancer:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with:

• chronic myelogenous leukemia;
• advanced/metastatic breast cancer;
• renal cell carcinoma; or
• metastatic colorectal cancer

Crohn’s Disease: 
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with moderate to severe or fistulizing Crohn’s Disease.

Multiple Sclerosis:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting or progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Complete the High Cost Drug Program Application Form [PDF | 33 KB]. Your neurologist must complete your Multiple Sclerosis Medications Program Medical Screening Form [PDF |155 KB].

Plaque Psoriasis:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with Plaque Psoriasis.

Psoriatic Arthritis:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Pulmonary Hypertension:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
You may be eligible for coverage of approved medication costs if you have been diagnosed with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

How do I apply?

1. Submit a completed High Cost Drug Program Application form [PDF | 33 KB].  
2. Your physician or diagnosing specialist must submit a completed Special Authorization Request form, and any appropriate medical information on your behalf.
3. You must re-apply for coverage two months prior to your expiry date.
4. Your eligibility for coverage and level of co-payment will be confirmed in writing.

How much of the medication cost will be covered?

Your cost of the medication will depend on your household income. You must also pay a pharmacy professional fee, which may vary with each pharmacy. The remainder of the medication cost will be paid to the pharmacy directly.

Where can I get my medication?

You can fill your prescription at any community retail pharmacy located in Prince Edward Island. You will receive up to a 30-day supply of medication.

Will I get a refund for medication I already purchased?

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

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 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