Seniors' Drug Plan
Eligible seniors 65 years and older pay $25 for prescription drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status.
Seniors' Drug Plan Questions and Answers
Ask your physician or pharmacist if your medications may qualify for Exception Drug Status.
1. Eligibility
Your eligibility is determined by age and the income reported on your income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- You must be a Saskatchewan resident 65 years of age or older with a valid Saskatchewan Health card.
- You must be eligible for the provincial age credit, which is based on the annual net income you reported on Line 23600 of your income tax form in the previous year. Your net income must be $71,417 or less on your 2022 income tax to be eligible for the year 2024.
- Seniors who are covered under federal government programs, such as the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program or Veterans Affairs are not eligible for the Seniors' Drug Plan.
2. Benefits
Eligible seniors 65 years of age and older pay $25 for eligible prescription drugs that are listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status.
3. Application
Each eligible senior can apply to the program by completing the application at the following links:
- Fill out Form A to provide your consent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to release specific income information (Line 23600) to the Ministry of Health, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch. No annual application is required. Your coverage will be automatically renewed each year as long as you file your income tax return.
- Fill out Form B if you do not file income tax or would rather submit your income information. You must submit an application and income documentation every year. In the fall, you will receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to renew your coverage.
- Mail, fax or email your application to the Drug Plan's Seniors' Drug Plan.
- You will receive a confirmation of benefits letter when the initial application is processed.
- You are encouraged to complete Form A for automatic renewal and to prevent a lapse in coverage.
You can apply for the Seniors' Drug Plan up to two months before you turn 65:
- If you apply before your 65th birthday and your application is approved, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you turn 65.
- If you apply after your 65th birthday, your coverage will begin once your complete application is received and processed, subject to approval.
4. Confirmation of Coverage
Initial application: You will receive a confirmation of benefits letter after the initial application is processed. Upon renewal, you will be notified only if there is a change in your coverage. The letter is mailed to the address listed on your Saskatchewan Health Card file.
Renewal: You will only be notified if there is a change in your coverage on renewal.
You may request a reprinted Seniors' Drug Plan letter if coverage is in place. You will need to enter your nine-digit Health Services Number (HSN) located on your Saskatchewan Health Card and you must select the Program Type as Seniors' Drug Plan.
5. Reassessment
If your annual income changes during the coverage period, you may send a written request for a reassessment of coverage to the ministry's Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch, Seniors' Drug Plan. You must include documentation of income changes.
6. Other Programs
Seniors with high drug costs in relation to their income may also apply for the Special Support program, which is based on total family income and total family drug costs.
- If you pay less than $25 per prescription, you will continue to do so. For example, if your medication is $25 per prescription under the Seniors' Drug Plan, but $11 under the Special Support program, you will continue to pay $11 for that prescription.
Seniors with the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Seniors Income Plan (SIP) will continue to have a $200 and $100 semi-annual deductible, respectively. Once the deductible is reached, the copayment under GIS or SIP is 35 per cent.
- If you pay less than $25 per prescription, you will continue to do so. For example, if your medication is $25 per prescription under the Seniors' Drug Plan, but the 35 per cent copayment under GIS or SIP is $14, you will continue to pay $14 for that prescription.;
There will be no change in coverage for those seniors who have drug coverage under:
- Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL);
- Palliative care programs; or
- Seniors' Income Plan (SIP) and reside in a long-term care facility.