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Special Medication Access: Locating provincial programs
In exceptional circumstances (e.g., if an approved drug is deemed inappropriate due to a patient’s health status), provinces and territories often provide special drug programs to help eligible residents access medications or therapies that may not be fully covered by their provincial health plan or private insurance. These programs, known as ‘Exception Drug Status’ or ‘Special Authority,’ may be made available to you if your specialist completes the necessary forms to make a request on your behalf. Full or partial coverage may be provided if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Use the chart below to find the name of the program specific to your province or territory. Click on the link provided for your province to learn more about the program.
| Province/Territory | Program | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Special Authorization Benefits (requires Adobe Reader) | Phone: (780) 498-8000 (Edmonton and area) Phone: (403) 234-9666 (Calgary and area) Toll-Free: 1-800-661-6995 (in Alberta) |
| British Columbia | Special Authority | Phone: (604) 683-7151 (Vancouver) Toll-Free: 1-800-663-7100 |
| Manitoba | Exception Drug Status (requires Adobe Reader) | Phone: (204) 786-7141 (Winnipeg) Toll-Free: 1-800-297-8099 |
| New Brunswick | Special Authorization | Toll-Free: 1-800-332-3691 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Special Authorization Drug Products | Phone: (709) 729-6507 (St. John’s) Toll-Free: 1-888-222-0533 |
| Northwest Territories | Limited Use Benefits and Exceptions (requires Adobe Reader - see pages 8–9 and sections D, E, and F) | Phone: (867) 777-7400 (Inuvik) Toll-Free: 1-800-661-0830 |
| Nova Scotia | Exception Status Drugs | Phone: (902) 429-6565 (Halifax) Toll-Free: 1-800-544-6191 |
| Nunavut | Exceptions and Exclusions | Toll-Free in English: 1-800-580-0950 Toll-Free in French: 1-800-281-5027 |
| Ontario | Exceptional Access Program | Toll-Free: 1-866-532-3161 |
| Prince Edward Island | Exceptional Drug Status (requires Adobe Reader) | Toll-Free: 1-877-577-3737 |
| Quebec | Exceptions | Phone: (418) 646-4636 (Quebec City) Phone: (514) 864-3411 (Montreal) Toll-Free: 1-800-561-9749 |
| Saskatchewan | Exception Drug Status | Phone: (306) 787-8744 Toll-Free: 1-800-667-7581 |
| Yukon | Exception Drug Status (requires Adobe Reader - see pages 8–9) |
Chronic Disease Program Phone (867) 667-5403 |
Key Websites:
Related Articles:
- Drug Coverage: The Special Access Programme (SAP)
- Publicly Funded Drug Plans: Know your options
- Private Drug Insurance: Your coverage explained
References
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