March 31, 2021
Government Keeps Pharmacare Deductible Rate Frozen for Second Year
– – –Manitoba Pharmacare Deductible Rates Remain Frozen to Help Manitobans Dealing with Uncertainties Due to COVID-19: Stefanson
The province will freeze Manitoba pharmacare deductible rates, avoiding the annually scheduled increases for the second consecutive year, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
“Our government has implemented a number of measures to help Manitoba families while we deal with the pandemic as a province,” Stefanson said. “For the second year in a row, the rates used to calculate pharmacare deductibles will remain at 2019-20 levels to assist Manitobans in response to COVID-19.”
The Manitoba Pharmacare Program is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans, available regardless of disease or age, whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Coverage is based on total family income and the amount paid for eligible prescription drugs. Each year, program participants are required to pay a portion of the cost of the eligible prescription drugs they need covered, which is considered the annual pharmacare deductible, and is based on adjusted family income.
New deductible rates typically come into effect annually on April 1, at the same time that pharmacare deductibles are issued. As of April 1, there will be no increase to the rates used to calculate deductibles. Although deductible rates will not change, the 2021-22 deductibles are based on a family’s 2019 income, whereas the 2020-21 deductible was based on 2018 income. If a family’s income changed from 2018 to 2019, their deductible might also change, regardless of the freeze on rates.
To notify the Manitoba Pharmacare Program of a change in income that will affect deductible rate category and for more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.
- 30 -