Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Palliative Care Programs

Under the Palliative Care Drug Program, individuals who are in the late stages of terminal illness will pay no charge for select over-the-counter products and prescription drugs that are listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status (EDS).

  1. Eligibility
  2. Application
  3. Confirmation of Coverage
  4. Eligible Benefits
  5. Drugs Not Covered Under This Program
Top

1. Eligibility

The Ministry of Health determines the eligibility for this program. An individual may be eligible if they:

  • have a terminal illness with a life expectancy measured in months;
  • do not have appropriate treatment options to cure their illness or to prolong their life; and
  • require care to improve or maintain their quality of life, including managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and stress.
Top

2. Application

  • The individual's prescriber must submit a complete Palliative Care Drug Coverage Form to register an individual for this program.
  • The Ministry of Health, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch will review the application.
  • Prescribers must submit a request for Exception Drug Status (EDS) if a drug has EDS listing status.
  • Palliative care drug coverage is effective 30 days prior to the date the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch receives a complete form. Consideration may be made to backdate the effective date of coverage based on the physician's request if an application was not made for an eligible individual.
Top

3. Confirmation of Coverage

The Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch will send a notification letter to confirm Palliative Care Drug Coverage.

Top

4. Eligible Benefits

  • Prescription Drugs
    Prescription drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status are no charge.
  • Over-the-Counter Products
    Select over-the-counter products, such as commonly used laxatives and other adjunctive medications, are no charge. A prescription is required to be an eligible benefit.
  • Dietary supplements and other basic supplies
    Individuals, pharmacists or prescribers may contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding dietary supplements and other basic supplies covered by the Home Care program.
Top

5. Drugs Not Covered Under This Program

Prescription drugs used for the treatment of cancer are not covered under the Palliative Care Drug Coverage program.

Individuals who are registered with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency may receive approved medications used for cancer treatment at no charge. These treatments are provided by the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or the Saskatoon Cancer Centre when clinic oncologists or physicians work in association with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

For more information, contact:

  • Allan Blair Cancer Centre Pharmacy in Regina at 306-766-2816; or
  • Saskatoon Cancer Centre Pharmacy in Saskatoon at 306-655-2680.

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve