PROVINCIAL DRUG PROGRAM ACCESS IN ABSENCE OF EI

With EI benefits now expired for many FFAW-Unifor harvester and plant worker members, please note individuals who run out of EI should be able to obtain prescriptions through the NL 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.

To be eligible for the Access Plan a person must:

• Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Be eligible for and in receipt of a Medical Care Plan (MCP) card;
• Fall within specific income thresholds;
• Have in cases where there are 2 applicants (married, family unit) valid tax returns for both adults on the application to verify total household income.

Under this plan, those eligible must re-apply every 12 months with the required paperwork (recent CRA information, etc.). As long as their economic situation hasn’t changed, they should be eligible for renewal.

The Department of Health and Community Services re-evaluates financial entitlement annually, using the most recent CRA information. This process is completed by June 30 of each calendar year with updated plan coverage commencing August 1. Recipients are required to have CRA taxation records updated annually to comply with the re-registration procedures. New co-pays established for plan recipients are effective August 1 to July 31 each year.

ACCESS PLAN REASSESSMENT:

Recipient(s) may notify the Access Plan of any changes that could affect their eligibility for and degree of coverage under the program. Various changes which could affect coverage under the Access Plan and the documentation required in order to verify these changes include:

• Address – Documentation Required: Documentation by request only.
• Drop in income greater than 10%; recently unemployed, retired, or income decreases for a period of 90 day – Documentation Required: Proof of income previous 90 day period; cheque stubs, record of employment, CRA Notice of Assessment
• Additions to family; new baby, adoption – Documentation Required: Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate, Medical Care Plan (MCP) number
• Marital status; married, separated, divorced, widowed – Documentation Required: Marriage Certificate, Separation or Divorce Papers, Death Certificate
• Alternate Drug Insurance; addition or loss of – Documentation Required: Letter of Acceptance or Discontinuation.

Upon receipt of required information the application is reviewed by a Financial Assessor. Any changes resulting in the reassessment is entered to adjust the co-pay amounts.

After completion of the reassessment, the applicants are notified in writing within 2 days of the results and further notified of their right to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the decision.

There will be no emergency cards given under the Access Plan as eligibility is based on net family income as confirmed by CRA.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FOR THE NL ACCESS PLAN:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/prescription/nlpdp-plan-overview/#3

To apply for The Access Plan, you must complete an application form

Forms are also available at pharmacies and physician offices. You may also call 1-888-859-3535 and ask that an application be mailed to you.