Sask. Party Helping Families With Responsible Prescription Drug Plan
Wall Would Help Families by Extending $15 Cap to Children
Brad Wall says a Saskatchewan Party government will provide a financially responsible and sustainable alternative to the NDP’s desperate drug plan giveaway.
The Saskatchewan Party plan will assist young families by extending the $15 cap on seniors’ prescription drugs to also include children ages 14 and under.
“Our new plan will continue to cap the cost of drugs at $15 per prescription for seniors with net income of less than $64,043 a year and will extend this benefit to all children 14 and under,” Wall said. $64,043 is the income cut-off for seniors to be eligible to receive the federal age tax credit.
“We recognize that many seniors struggle with the burden of high prescription drug costs, but we also know that many families with young children share that burden and something should be done to help them as well,” Wall said.
“In some cases, a family’s monthly drug costs can be really high, for instance children with severe asthma or epilepsy. The Saskatchewan Party plan will bring those costs under control.”
Wall said that about 95 per cent of Saskatchewan seniors will continue to benefit from the $15 cap. The cost of extending the benefit to children will be offset by the savings from high-income seniors who no longer receive the benefit.
All Saskatchewan residents, including seniors, will continue to be eligible for the Special Support Program for High Drug Costs if their prescription drug costs exceed 3.4 per cent of their annual income.
Wall also announced that a Saskatchewan Party government will provide an additional $10 million per year to fund new drugs not currently covered under the provincial drug plan.
“Many seniors and others still face high drug costs because the prescriptions they need aren’t covered under the Drug Plan,” Wall said. “A Saskatchewan Party government will provide new funding to cover more prescription drugs.
“The Saskatchewan Party is offering a responsible and targeted alternative to the NDP’s reckless and irresponsible attempt to buy votes,” Wall said. “At the same time, a Saskatchewan Party government will focus our health care dollars and resources on reducing waiting lists and make sure Saskatchewan people get the health care they need when they need it.”
Background Information
Click here for background information on the Saskatchewan Party's Prescription Drug Plan.
For more information, Saskatchewan Party, Regina, 359-1638 or 1-800-966-9611.