Cost of Alzheimer�s drugs now covered under special authorization

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne today announced that since September 1, 2006, government has begun assessing requests under special authorization for coverage of Alzheimer�s drugs � Aricept, Reminyl and Exelon � for beneficiaries of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer�s, some drugs have proven to be effective for select persons suffering from this disease.

�As a government, we are committed to improving the health care of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� said Minister Osborne. �Along with strategic investments in health promotion, infrastructure, equipment and new technology, we are investing in drug treatments that have been demonstrated to be cost-effective, for those suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer�s Disease.�

Government invested $700,000 in Budget 2006 to provide coverage for patients suffering from Alzheimer�s Disease. It is anticipated that approximately 1,000 patients will meet the special authorization criteria for these drugs and benefit from this coverage.

�The Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased with government�s decision to provide access to the Alzheimer medications for the people of the province affected by Alzheimer Disease and their caregivers,� said Shirley Lucas, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. �We feel this decision will be very beneficial and is very important to the quality of life of those affected. We commend government for its positive decision.�

Physicians will be required to complete a physician education program prior to requesting coverage of these drugs for their patients. Specialists in geriatric medicine, neurology and psychiatry will be considered as �designated prescribers� and will not be required to complete any additional educational workshops. All other physicians must either apply and be approved for �designated prescriber� status based on previous training in the treatment of dementia patients, or complete the physician education program the Department of Health and Community Services has arranged for September 19, 2006 in St. John�s. Other sessions will be announced as the dates and locations are finalized.

Government invested over $180 million in new health care funding in Budget 2006, bringing government�s total investment to $1.96 billion � representing a 10 per cent increase over last year. Highlights of the targeted investments include � $52 million for new health care infrastructure and renovations and repairs to existing health care facilities; $15.6 million to strengthen cancer prevention and treatments; a $4.8 million injection in the Provincial Drug Program along with $8.3 million to expand coverage to low-income families and $3.7 million to support healthy lifestyles and better health outcomes.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program provides assistance in the purchase of pharmaceuticals, and some related medical supplies to residents who qualify for benefit coverage. The focus of the program is that residents of the province should not be denied access to health care because of financial need.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program comprises three programs: Income Support Drug Program, Senior Citizens Drug Subsidy Program and Special Needs Program.

The Income Support Program provides prescription drug coverage, for identified benefit agents, for residents of the province who qualify for full benefit coverage under the income support criteria of the Department of Humans Resources, Labour and Employment; provides for prescription drug coverage, for identified benefit agents, for residents who, due to the high cost of their medications, may qualify for drug card only benefits; and provides 100 per cent coverage for these benefit agents.

The Seniors Drug Subsidy Program provides prescription drug coverage, for identified benefit agents, for residents who are 65 years of age or over, who are in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement. The program provides coverage of defined ingredient cost only for identified benefits. The remaining cost of a prescription is paid by the senior as a co-payment (the amount of which is not regulated by government).

The Special Needs Program provides universal coverage for patients with cystic fibrosis and growth hormone deficiency. Universal coverage is also provided under the Food Bank Program for specialty food products for residents with certain metabolic diseases, however, clients must apply for coverage with the Department of Human Resources and Employment once they reach 18 years of age, at which time access to the program is based on financial need. The program also provides 100 per cent coverage for identified benefits � disease-related prescription drugs, enzymes, foods, medical supplies, and equipment � supplied through the Health Sciences Central Supply and Pharmacy.

For inquiries related to drug coverage, contact the Pharmaceutical Services Division, Department of Health and Community Services, at (709) 729-6507.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741 or tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2006 09 05                                         11:10 a.m.