Each of the programs has their own unique eligibility requirements. Please look at each program individually to learn more.
Seniors’ Pharmacare Program
Available to Nova Scotians 65 years of age and older.
Family Pharmacare Program
Available to anyone with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
Assistance for Cancer Patients
Available to Nova Scotians diagnosed with cancer and an income less than $35,000.
Palliative Care Drug Program
Available to Nova Scotians and intended for use in end of life care at home.
Department of Community Services Pharmacare Benefits
Eligibility determined by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.
Health card
For example:
- valid health card with no photo, name and address
- valid health card with photo, name and address
- MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
- Valid ambulance/dental services card
- Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
- Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).
Please look at each program to learn more about how to apply for these programs.
Seniors’ Pharmacare Program
Program information and enrolment packages are mailed to residents with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card approximately three months prior to their 65th birthday. Program details can be found in our Seniors’ Pharmacare Program – Information Booklet. For more information or to receive an enrolment package, call 429-6565 (local) or 1-800-544-6191 (toll free) Monday to Friday.
Family Pharmacare Program
Each family is required to complete only one Registration Form. For the purposes of the Family Pharmacare Program
Assistance for Cancer Patients
Assistance for Cancer Patients Program - Registration Form (PDF)
Palliative Care Drug Program
If eligible, the patient’s local specialist palliative care team completes a Palliative Care Drug Program Application Form and sends it to the Pharmacare office. Coverage is effective for 6 months from the enrolment date.
If a patient does not meet eligibility criteria, other Pharmacare programs should be considered, as appropriate.
Department of Community Services Pharmacare Benefits
For more information on eligibility, enrolment, benefits, and cost, please go the Department Community Services Pharmacare Benefits website or call 1-877-424-1177.