Nova Scotia Pharmacare: Who Qualifies, What It Costs and How to Apply

Last reviewed 2026-10-20

Nova Scotia Pharmacare is the province's group of public drug plans. Most people use one of two: Seniors' Pharmacare (age 65+ with no other drug coverage) or Family Pharmacare (any age, no premium, costs based on family income and size). Once enrolled, your Health Card works as your Pharmacare card at the pharmacy.

Quick answer: which program fits you?

65 or older with no other drug plan: Seniors' Pharmacare. Any age with no drug coverage, or drug costs that have become a financial burden: Family Pharmacare. On income assistance: the Department of Opportunities and Social Development Pharmacare Benefits program. You can only be covered by one of these at a time.

Seniors' Pharmacare: eligibility

You can apply if you are 65 or older, live in Nova Scotia, have a valid (not expired) Health Card and have no prescription drug coverage under another plan. Each senior applies individually, even if married. The program usually mails an application package before your 65th birthday.

Seniors' Pharmacare: what it costs

You pay an annual premium based on household income, plus a copayment at the pharmacy. Both the premium and the copayment have annual maximums, and the province pays the rest. Some members qualify for a reduced or waived premium. Use the province's Seniors' Pharmacare calculator for your exact premium.

Family Pharmacare: eligibility

You can register if you live in Nova Scotia, have a valid Health Card, and agree to let the Canada Revenue Agency confirm your family income each year. You can't join if you're already on Seniors' Pharmacare, the Under 65 Long Term Care plan, or DOSD Pharmacare Benefits. Only one person registers for the whole family.

Family Pharmacare: what it costs

There is no premium or fee to join. If you don't fill prescriptions, you pay nothing. When you do, you pay full price until you reach your annual deductible, then a copayment until you reach the annual copayment maximum. Both limits depend on family size and income — the province's Family Pharmacare calculator shows your amounts.

How to apply

Both programs accept applications any time, online or on a paper form. Have Health Card numbers and Social Insurance Numbers ready for you and your spouse. Seniors' applications usually take 1 to 2 weeks to approve. Questions about eligibility, premiums or copayments: call Pharmacare at 1-800-544-6191.

Is my drug covered?

Covered drugs, supplies and services are listed in the Nova Scotia Formulary. Some drugs are 'exception status' and need your prescriber to request approval first. Ask your pharmacist to check the formulary before you fill an expensive prescription.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Family Pharmacare if I have private insurance?

Yes. Family Pharmacare can help with costs your private plan doesn't cover, as long as you're not on another public Pharmacare program.

Is there a fee to join Family Pharmacare?

No. There is no premium. You only pay toward prescriptions you actually fill, up to income-based annual limits.

Do married seniors apply together?

No. Each senior applies for Seniors' Pharmacare individually, regardless of marital status.

What is the Nova Scotia Pharmacare phone number?

1-800-544-6191 for eligibility, enrolment, premium, copayment and benefit questions.

Can I be on two Pharmacare programs at once?

No. You can only have coverage under one public Pharmacare program at a time.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not medical or financial advice. Program rules and amounts change — confirm with the official source or your pharmacist.