Help with Medication Costs

While medical care may be free in Alberta: most medications are not. Medications can be very costly, and the high expense of medication comes with significant detrimental effects. Many people stop taking their medication or spread out their doses so they do not have to get refills as often, which results in ineffective and inadequate treatment.

This month I went on a mission to source some programs to help alleviate the cost of medication. Many pharmaceutical companies have Patient Assistance Programs to help alleviate the high cost of medications. Although this is not a complete list, here are some patient assistance programs that I found.

Note: If you are on medications not listed here and want to see if your pharmaceutical manufacturer will provide assistance with the cost, I recommend visiting their website to seek out information on their patient assistance program if they have one. If you are unsure who manufactures your medication: a good old google search is a good place to start.

Programs Provided by Pharmaceutical Companies

Janssen BioAdvance

The Janssen BioAdvance network provides access and affordability support for patients who have been prescribed Janssen medicines. For those who are taking Concerta for their ADHD this can be a big cost-savings and increase access to this medication. The process is quick and easy and only takes 5 minutes to complete. To enroll in the BioAdvance program call 1-833-972-2420 or seek more information here.

Vyvanse Assistance Program

Developed by Takeda for Canadian patients requiring reimbursement support. All Canadians are eligible. To get more information call 1-855-422-9395 or email Vyvanse_support@smartsti.com. Website here.

Programs that help cover the cost between the brand name and generic alternative medications

InnoviCares Card

A free prescription savings card available to all Canadian Residents. Present your InnoviCares card at your pharmacy and ask for the brand-name medication. The card will automatically cover a portion of the cost of the original brand. The card can be coordinated with existing insurance or used on it’s own. More information, including which medications are covered can be found on the website.

RxHelpOne Card

This card covers up to the difference in ingredient cost between the brand drug and the generic alternatives. To see what is covered and to get more information see the website.

Government of Alberta Programs

Alberta Adult Health Benefit Program

Covers health benefits for low-income households who are pregnant or have high ongoing prescription drug needs. More information here.

Alberta Non-Group Coverage Program

Administered by Blue Cross this program provides coverage for a variety of health-related services not covered by the Alberta health Care Insurance Plan. More information can be found here. Note that some prescriptions are not covered by this plan, so ensure you do a search on the Interactive Drug Benefit List to see if your medication is covered.