Prince Edward Island

Family Health Benefit Drug Program

Easy application

Tax filing required

The Family Health Benefit Drug Program may help cover the cost of approved prescription medications for you and your children if they are under the age of 19 or under the age of 25 and are a full-time student.

If you are approved, your coverage will begin on the date noted in your approval letter and will continue until September 30. You must re-apply each year before your coverage expires.

Coverage ends when you have no children under the age of 19 or under the age of 25 who are full-time students.

If you have private insurance, you or your pharmacy must submit all claims to your private insurer first. The remaining out-of-pocket eligible expense can then be submitted to PEI Pharmacare for assessment. While the program will cover the full cost of medication, you must pay the pharmacy dispensing fee.

You can fill your prescription at any community retail pharmacy located in Prince Edward Island.

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

You may be able to get support from the Family Health Benefit Drug Program if:

  • You are a permanent PEI resident as defined by the Drug Cost Assistance Act;
  • You have a valid PEI Health Card; and
  • You are a low-income family supporting at least one child who is under the age of 19, or under the age of 25 and is a full-time student

The amount of help with the prescription medication cost is based on your family size and household income.

  • If you have 1 child, your net annual family income to qualify must be less than $24,800.
  • If you have 2 children, your net annual family income to qualify must be less than $27,800.
  • If you have 3 children, your net annual family income to qualify must be less than $30,800.
  • If you have 4 children, your net annual family income to qualify must be less than $33,800. If you have more than 4 children, add $3,000 for each additional child.

Your eligibility for this program will end the day you leave PEI to take up residency elsewhere, or when your children no longer fit into the age range for this program.

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).

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

To apply for the Family Health Benefit Drug Program:

  1. Submit a completed Family Health Benefit Application form [PDF | 471 KB].
  2. If you are including a dependent between 19 and 25 years old who is a full-time student, you must include proof of enrolment from their school.
  3. If joint custody of the qualifying child exists, both parents may apply to the program.

Last updated: September 22, 2023