News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Consultations have begun on the development of a prescription drug plan for uninsured New Brunswickers. Health Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today.

"About 30 per cent of New Brunswickers do not have prescription drug coverage and so must pay for their drugs," said Dubé. "The provincial government has committed itself to implement a made-in-New Brunswick plan that would fairly subsidize costs based on an individual’s ability to pay. This consultation will engage New Brunswickers by bringing together stakeholder groups to participate in sessions. Submissions will also be accepted from the public."

This initiative is being led by the Advisory Committee on Health Benefits established by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation. The mandate of the committee is to develop a mechanism to provide a prescription drug plan to all uninsured New Brunswick residents.

"This plan will help prevent uninsured New Brunswickers from experiencing financial hardship or falling into poverty because of medical conditions that require drug therapies," said Dubé.  "I encourage New Brunswickers to contribute to this process by submitting their comments."

Input is requested on how best to provide prescription drug coverage, including:

●    how the plan should be designed;
●    who would be eligible for the plan; and
●    how costs would be shared.

Submissions will be accepted on the Department of Health's website until April 30 and will be posted online.

LINK:

●    Department of Health: www.gnb.ca/health