One of Nova Scotia’s largest seniors groups is pushing back on the government’s proposed changes to the Pharmacare program.
President of the Senior Citizens and Pensioners Federation of Nova Scotia, Bernie Larusic says the new co-pay ratio will cost some users thousands more.
“Everybody who uses Pharmacare pays a co-pay. And they’ve moved the co-pay from 30 percent that you pay on your drugs to 20 percent,” said Larusic.
He said his members are extremely concerned at the new method the government is proposing for the Pharmacare program.
“We had a meeting with the Premier last week to hit them over the head with our concerns. And we have a follow-up today to see what their response was,” said Larusic.
“We don’t mind the plan to improve things for the lower income users. We have no argument with that. But the manner in which they’re moving forward with the method of financing is vastly different than the previous method.”
Larusic adds, couples would pay a premium based on their income, up to $1,200 per year.
“Previously, everybody paid the same premium of $424.”
“Everybody who uses Pharmacare pays a co-pay. And they’ve moved the co-pay from 30 percent that you pay on your drugs to 20 percent,” said Larusic, adding “They’ve left the $382 premium. When jack it down to 20 percent, it will take you longer to get to the $382 dollar premium, meaning most will never get there to access free prescriptions as in the existing program.”
“I’m hearing my membership that this is is easiest thing for the government to do by targeting the fixed income earners.”
Larusic says to say that the higher income earners should be paying a premium is also ludicrous.
“Those in the 75,000 to 100,000 dollar income bracket are already paying for the program.”
“How many seniors are paying for education? What education do we get now? I’m 80 years old, where do I go for education? Why don’t you take the money you’re taking from me for education and put in Pharmacare?”
He’s scheduled to meet with Premier McNeil to hear his response to his members’ concerns.
