Pharmacare
Eligibility
To be eligible for benefits you must be registered with the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP). You must be a Yukon resident at least 65 years of age or aged 60 and married to a living Yukon resident who is at least 65 years of age.
If you are already registered with Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan, you will be automatically sent a Pharmacare program application in the month which you turn 65. A green Pharmacare card will be issued to you once the application form has been returned and processed. It will take approximately three weeks for your card to arrive in the mail.
If you have only recently moved to the Yukon, you must first register for Yukon Health Care Insurance. The application forms for Pharmacare and Extended Benefits can be filled in at the same time and a card will be sent to you once the registration process has been completed. It takes three months for your Yukon Health Care Insurance coverage and seniors benefits to begin.
The Pharmacare card confirms your eligibility for all insured physician, hospital and seniors benefits.
The Pharmacare program will pay the total costs of the lowest priced generics of all prescription drugs listed in the Yukon Pharmacare Formulary, including the dispensing fee.
Certain non-prescription drugs and goods are also covered by the program such as:
- compounds used in the control of heart disease; nitroglycerin, preparations, digoxin and other digitalis related products
- anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic conditions
- insulin syringes.
Private Insurance Coverage: If you receive health insurance benefits through your employer or a third party insurance agency, claims must be submitted to these insurers first. The Pharmacare program is the insurer of last resort. Payment is made on a reimbursement basis. It is an offence to seek reimbursement from both plans.
You will be charged directly for the cost of drugs if you do not have the card with you when making a purchase. The program may refund this amount but you must submit the original receipt.
Restrictions: Yukon Pharmacare does not cover the cost of products which can be obtained without a prescription, including vitamins, patent medicines, personal care items, medical/surgical supplies, laxatives, antacids and most medicines used in the treatment of colds.
Persons receiving benefits under these programs will no longer be eligible if they are away from the territory for more than 183 consecutive days, unless the absence is for more than 201 days and the eligible beneficiary has satisfied the Director of Insured Health Services that the Yukon is their only permanent residence.
If you move out of the territory permanently, benefits cease on the date of your departure.
Extended Health
To be eligible for benefits you must be registered with the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP). You must be a Yukon resident at least 65 years of age or aged 60 and married to a living Yukon resident who is at least 65 years of age.
If you are already registered with Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan, you will be automatically sent a Pharmacare program application in the month which you turn 65. A green Pharmacare card will be issued to you once the application form has been returned and processed. It will take approximately three weeks for your card to arrive in the mail.
If you have only recently moved to the Yukon, you must first register for Yukon Health Care Insurance. The application forms for Pharmacare and Extended Benefits can be filled in at the same time and a card will be issued to you once the registration process has been completed. It takes three months for your Yukon Health Care Insurance coverage and seniors benefits to begin.
The Pharmacare card confirms your eligibility for all insured physician, hospital and seniors benefits.
Benefits include partial or 100 per cent coverage of the following benefits:
- Medical surgical supplies/equipment: The plan may provide walking aids, hand inhalers, artificial eyes and limbs, respiratory equipment, commodes and manual wheelchairs.
- Hearing aids: One hearing aid or a replacement hearing aid is allowed in four-year period. Repair and adjustment of hearing aids is allowed once every six months. Batteries are not covered.
- Dental care: The plan may pay for dentures or rebases once in a five-year period. Coverage is limited to $1,400 in any two-year period. If you present your Pharmacare card to the dentist, they will submit the bill directly to the health care plan for payment.
You will be required to pay any amount exceeding the $1400 limit. If you require high cost procedures you should sign an application form and have the dental clinic submit it to the Pharmacare program for prior approval.
- Eye examinations and glasses: The plan may pay for one eye examination, new lenses and a maximum of $100.00 toward the purchase of frames once every two years. Benefits do not include the repair of glasses. The purchase of tinted or contact lenses is not covered.
You will be charged directly for the cost of drugs if you do not have the card with you when making a purchase. The program may refund this amount but you must submit the original receipt.
Restrictions: Yukon Pharmacare does not cover the cost of products which can be obtained without a prescription, including vitamins, patent medicines, personal care items, medical/surgical supplies, laxatives, antacids and most medicines used in the treatment of colds.
Persons receiving benefits under these programs are no longer eligible if they are away from the Yukon for more than 183 consecutive days, unless the absence is for more than 201 days and the individual has satisfied the director of Insurance Health Services that the Yukon is their only permanent residence.
If you move out of the territory permanently, benefits cease on the date of your departure.
Private Insurance Coverage: If you receive health insurance benefit through your employer or a third party insurance agency, claims must be submitted to these insurers first. The Pharmacare program is the insurer of last resort. Payment is made on a reimbursement basis.
It is an offence to seek reimbursement from both plans.