The Access Plan
The Access Plan gives individuals and families with low incomes access to eligible prescription medications. The amount of coverage is determined by net income level and family status. The program is available to:
- families with children, including single parents, with net annual incomes of $42,870 or less;
- couples without children with net annual incomes of $30,009 or less;
- single individuals with net annual incomes of $27,151 or less.
How to apply: To apply for The Access Plan, you must complete an application form (add link for form http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/
There is also automatic eligibility for specified dental health care services for 13-17 year olds in families who qualify for The Access Plan. The services are administered under the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Health Program.
Information regarding the dental coverage can be obtained by calling 1-800-440-4405.
The Assurance Plan
This plan provides prescription drug coverage to individuals/families where eligible drug costs exceed:
- 5% of net income for those who earn below $40,000
- 7.5% of net income for those who earn from $40,000 to under $75,000
- 10% of net income for those who earn from $75,000 to under $150,000
Qualifying applicants will be responsible for a co-payment depending on their income levels and drug costs
For example, a family with a net income of $30,000 had $5,000 in eligible drug costs in the previous year. As their drug costs exceed 5% of their net income ($1,500) they would be eligible for the Assurance plan. They would be responsible for paying $1,500 of their drug costs, with the Assurance Plan paying the remainder, resulting in a co-payment rate of 30%. Eligibility and co-payment rate are re-assessed every six months using the most recent income and drug cost data available.”
How to apply:To apply for The Assurance Plan, you must complete an application form (http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/
Foundation Plan
No application is necessary. A Prescription Drug Program card is automatically issued when the Department of Health and Community Services is notified that an individual is in receipt of income support benefits through the Department of Advanced Education and Skills, and certain individuals receiving services through the Regional Health Authorities, including children in the care of Child, Youth and Family Services, and individuals in supervised care.
65 Plus Plan
There is no Program specific application to be completed for coverage unless the resident is a landed immigrant. The Program is notified by Services Canada that a resident is in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security benefits. This is usually after the resident has received their first GIS payment. An eligibility letter is sent out to the resident asking for his/her Medical Care Plan (MCP) number, date of birth, and gender so that an NLPDP drug card can be issued.
65 Plus Plan for Landed Immigrants
To apply for The 65Plus Plan for Landed Immigrants, you must complete an application form (104 KB). You may also call 1-888-859-3535 and ask that an application be mailed to you.
If the applicant indicates he/she is in receipt of Old Age Security from Service Canada, he/she does not have to provide the information below because if eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement payment as part of the Old Age Security benefit, are 65 years of age and older, and have residency status in Canada, then he/she is automatically entitled to receive a drug card through The 65Plus Plan. Otherwise, the applicant will be required to provide the following information:
- Details of residency during the previous 10 years
- Status as a Canadian Citizen
- Date of Naturalization, if applicable
- Income for the previous 12 months
- Application must be signed by the applicant.
- Application must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths, Notary Public or Justice of the Peace and must also include the authorizing person’s stamp or seal.