Getting medications reimbursed?

Prescription medications are an important part of managing psoriatic disease. However, getting medications paid by private insurance or government drug plans can be complex, stressful, and difficult. Getting your medications covered will depend on a number of factors, like what province you live in, your work situation, whether your employer has a health care benefits program, and whether drug costs are high relative to your income.

• If you work, it is important to review what health care benefits are provided by your employer (if any). Every private insurance plan is designed differently - some pay for some medications and not others (known as a ‘drug formulary’). Others may require certain medications to be taken before others are prescribed or have premiums, or fees to be paid regularly. Some only pay for a certain amount, and many have a deductible or minimum amount you need to pay out of pocket each Medical documentation may need to be completed by your physician to access some medications. To learn more about public and private health plans, read the Introduction to Public and Private Insurance developed by the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA).
• Government drug programs are available however the design varies by province. Similar to private insurance plans, each is designed Learn more about public drug plans by reading this resource by the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA).
• Patient Support Programs (PSPs) may be available for certain medications prescribed for people with psoriatic disease. PSPs is a service offered by pharmaceutical companies to patients and physicians and are available for most biologic treatments. This service can offer help in navigating insurance plans and getting your prescription medications paid.
• The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA) has developed a prescription finder tool - Is my Prescription Covered? to help you navigate insurance to pay for your medications. This easy to navigate tool will ask you questions about your personal situation and help you determine what prescription medication coverage you can access.