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If you're insured through the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan:
Anyone who is not covered by a private insurance is insured under the public prescription drug plan. The Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec's (RAMQ) website explains the public plan's rules and conditions.
If you are covered under a private drug plan:
If you are covered under a private prescription drug plan (group insurance or employee benefit plan), your insurer will determine the amounts you have to pay for your medications. Your insurer pays your claims but also wants to control its costs.
What is included in the cost of your prescription?
As first-line health professionals, owner-pharmacists are also entrepreneurs that must abide by the Canadian Competition Act.
The cost of your prescription drug includes the cost of the ingredient, the pharmacist honorarium and his operating expenses.
Can my pharmacist give discounts on prescription drugs?
In Quebec, it is illegal for a pharmacist to give discounts on prescription drugs to an insured person, a group of insured persons or an insurer negotiating on its members' behalf.
Private insurers and the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) have entered into an agreement on drug reimbursements. Pharmacists must charge all private insurers the same prices for identical products and services.
Breaking this rule could lead to legal action against your pharmacist.
Your pharmacist, your health, your choice.
You are free to choose your pharmacist: your health depends on it. No one has the right to influence your decision.
What happens in the laboratory while I wait for my prescription?
When you go to your pharmacy to have your prescriptions filled, your pharmacist and the support staff do the following:
- Examine your file to make sure that:
- The prescription was written by an authorized person;
- Your are not allergic to the prescribed medication;
- You are not taking other medications that could make your new medication less effective;
- The correct dose is being prescribed.
- Confirm information with your doctor where necessary and ensure you receive the right medication.
- Enter the required information and send your claim to your insurer.
- Explain to you how to take your medication properly, safely and effectively.
Any questions?
For questions about your drug insurance plan, for example, any uninsured surplus, contact your private insurer or your employer.
For legal questions about your insurance, contact the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance , an independent complaint resolution and information service. OLHI staff is very knowledgeable about insurance, that can help you gain a better understanding of your prescription drug insurance plan and provide guidance.
OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance:
416-777-2344 or 1-800-268-8099
When you choose a pharmacist, you are choosing a health professional
Don't make the mistake of basing your choice of a pharmacist solely on pricing! The quality of services rather than the cost of medications should be the deciding factor.
An accessible health professional
Your pharmacist plays a vital role in the health care system: pharmacists have extensive knowledge of more than 25,000 medications, interactions and side effects. What's more, your pharmacist is there for you during the course of your treatment, and can be consulted about prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Thanks to your pharmacist, you have access to a range of professional services to help you manage your drug therapy and live better.