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Nova Scotia

Provincial disease groups

It is usually possible to get a great deal of assistance and guidance by contacting the not-for-profit organization associated with your condition. Here is a list of the major groups in Nova Scotia.

• Canadian Cancer Society
• Canadian Diabetes Association
• Asthma Society of Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Canadian Mental Health Association

HEALTH SERVICES

Medical Services Insurance (MSI)

If you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant with a permanent residence in Nova Scotia, you are eligible for coverage under the Medical Services Insurance (MSI) program. The coverage is administered by Medavie Blue Cross under contract to the Nova Scotia Department of Health, except for the hospital insurance portion which is administered directly by the government. There are no premiums for MSI.

MSI covers most medically necessary services from hospitals, doctors, dentists and optometrists, with some restrictions. There is a pamphlet available from MSI outlining the coverage and restrictions. To receive a copy, or ask about a specific service, contact MSI.

In order to have medical services covered by MSI, you must show a valid Nova Scotia Health Card. To obtain a Health Card, contact MSI:

Mailing address:
PO Box 500,
Halifax NS
B3J 2S1

Location address:
230 Brownlow Ave
Dartmouth NS

Phone: (902) 496-7008
Toll-free: 1-800-563-8880 (Nova Scotia only)
E-mail: msienquiry@medavie.bluecross.ca

You can get more information on the MSI website.

MSI coverage outside Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can be absent from the province for up to 30 days with no effect on their coverage. If you are planning to leave the province for longer than that you need to call Medical Services Insurance (MSI) at 1-800-563-8880 and notify them of your absence and when you plan to return. If you do not do this, there may be delays or complications in covering your out-of-province medical expenses. Keep in mind that you must live in Nova Scotia for 183 days out of each calendar year to remain covered, unless you receive special permission from MSI to temporarily live abroad for work or study.

Your Nova Scotia Health Card will entitle you to all insured medical services in any province in Canada, except Quebec. Quebec doctors may bill you directly or bill MSI at their discretion. MSI may cover your Quebec doctor bills if you submit an itemized receipt on your return to Nova Scotia.

To claim your out-of-province medical expenses, contact MSI.

Mailing address:
PO Box 500,
Halifax NS
B3J 2S1

Location address:
230 Brownlow Ave
Dartmouth NS

Phone: (902) 496-7008
Toll-free: 1-800-563-8880 (Nova Scotia only)
E-mail: msienquiry@medavie.bluecross.ca

MSI coverage outside Canada

Medical Services Insurance (MSI) covers you for emergency hospital fees and doctor’s bills only when you travel outside Canada, and then only at the same rate as in Nova Scotia. Imaging, lab work, ambulances, out-patient and non-emergency care are not covered. You are covered for 30 days after leaving the province – if you plan to be away longer you must notify MSI.

It is likely that any care you receive abroad will greatly exceed MSI’s coverage. For that reason it is strongly recommended that you purchase private travel insurance for even short trips out of the country.

Mailing address:
PO Box 500,
Halifax NS
B3J 2S1

Location address:
230 Brownlow Ave
Dartmouth NS

Phone: (902) 496-7008
Toll-free: 1-800-563-8880 (Nova Scotia only)
E-mail: msienquiry@medavie.bluecross.ca

Pharmacare

The Nova Scotia Department of Health offers prescription drug programs for Nova Scotian families and for certain vulnerable residents under the Pharmacare plan. All Nova Scotians with a provincial health card are eligible for the Family Pharmacare program if they are not covered by one of the other Pharmacare programs. You may be eligible for coverage under another Pharmacare plan if you...

• are over 65
• receive, or recently stopped receiving, income assistance from Community Services
• have cancer, multiple sclerosis or diabetes
• are a child in the care of Community Services or Children’s Aid

There is a co-payment and a co-payment ceiling for regular Pharmacare, meaning you must pay a percentage of the cost of each prescription yourself, to a certain maximum. Once you have spent a certain amount in a year, Pharmacare covers 100% of the rest of your prescription drug costs. Certain residents may qualify for Extended Pharmacare, under which co-payments may be reduced or eliminated entirely.

The Nova Scotia Formulary outlines which drugs are covered under Pharmacare. There may be exceptions in cases where a drug is unavailable or unsuitable for you; Pharmacare will judge these on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about Pharmacare

Contact Pharmacare to register:

Nova Scotia Pharmacare Program
P.O. Box 9322, Station "A"
Halifax, NS
B3K 6A1

Phone: (902) 429-6565
Toll-free: 1-800-544-6191
Fax: (902) 468-9402

Allied health professionals

Medical Services Insurance (MSI) offers no coverage for treatments from allied health professionals unless you get the treatment in a hospital or as part of a home care or residential care program. Many private and employee health insurance plans cover services from allied health professionals.

Locate a...

• audiologist
• chiropractor
• dentist
• dietitian
• massage therapist
• midwife
• occupational therapist
• optometrist
• physiotherapist
• psychologist

Cancer care

Cancer care in Nova Scotia is coordinated through Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a program of the Department of Health which provides prevention, screening, education, treatment, follow-up care and palliation. Their services are delivered through Nova Scotia’s Health Districts, but control is centralized to allow Nova Scotians with cancer to benefit from cancer care resources wherever they are in the province. Services provided by Cancer Care Nova Scotia are covered by MSI.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia
1276 South Park Street
5th floor, Bethune Building
Halifax, NS
B3H 2Y9

Phone: (902) 473-4645
Toll-free: 1-866-599-2267
Fax: (902) 473-4982
E-mail: info@ccns.nshealth.ca

The Cancer Care website is an excellent resource for education and services.

Low-income cancer patients can get assistance with the cost of cancer drugs after they have left the hospital through the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients program. Find out more.

The Canadian Cancer Society is also active in Nova Scotia.

Flu shot

See our Flu Vaccination Guide for information about seasonal flu vaccine availability by province or territory.

Mental health care

Nova Scotia’s Department of Health Mental Health Services has five levels of service for people suffering from a mental illness:

Mental health promotion, advocacy, prevention and education aims to lessen the impact of mental health on the community by making people aware of mental health issues, encouraging them to take appropriate steps to achieve good mental health and to seek assistance if they feel they have a mental health problem.

The inpatient program includes acute care to achieve stability, “short stay” facilities where patients can be assessed then routed to the appropriate services and longer term rehabilitation programs for minors aimed at maximizing the patient’s level of psychological, social and occupational functioning.

Outpatient and outreach programs focus on mental care in the community through assessment and identification of persons at risk and early intervention and support to minimize the impact of illness. This program includes emergency crisis intervention services as well.

Community mental health supports assist families and individuals to live and succeed in the community over indefinite periods of time. The levels of support vary greatly with each individual case.

Specialty programs are aimed at treatment and intervention in particularly troublesome areas such as eating disorders and sex offences.

Find out more about Nova Scotia Mental Health Services.

Your contact information for Mental Health Services depends on where you are in the province. Check here for a listing of the local numbers.

Many more mental health resources are available through the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Palliative care

Nova Scotians can receive up to 200 hours of in-home or hospice palliative care per month under the Continuing Care Program of the Department of Health. There is a limit of three months that each patient can receive through this program.

You can get more information about Continuing Care palliative care at this number: 1-800-225-7225.

If you have cancer, you can access palliative care through Cancer Care Nova Scotia. The care is delivered by your local health district. Contact Cancer Care for more information.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia
1276 South Park Street
5th floor, Bethune Building
Halifax, NS
B3H 2Y9

Phone: (902) 473-4645
Toll-free: 1-866-599-2267
Fax: (902) 473-4982
E-mail: info@ccns.nshealth.ca

There are no charges for palliative services under these programs, however, they do not necessarily cover the cost of your drugs. For more information on Nova Scotia drug coverage, check the Pharmacare section.

Wait times

Nova Scotia posts wait times for specialist referrals, diagnostic services and common surgical procedures on the web. The times are broken down by region where the services are offered and listed as percentage of procedures that fall within different time categories, as well as average overall wait.

Nova Scotia Wait Times Data.

See the article on wait times on this website for helpful advice and information on how to receive faster service for surgical procedures, certain diagnostic tests (such as an MRI) and appointments with a specialist doctor.

Workplace injuries

The Worker’s Compensation Board of Nova Scotia can offer wage replacement, disability compensation, assistance with medical bills and occupational therapy if you are injured on the job. It is important that you report any injury to your employer immediately, then seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders exactly. Finally, you or your employer must submit a WCB Accident Report within five business days of the accident occuring.

Get the WCB Accident Report form (requires Adobe Reader).

Find out more about the WCB.

Location:
Main Office (Halifax)
5668 South Street
Halifax, NS

Mail:
Main Office (Halifax)
P.O. Box 1150
Halifax, NS
B3J 2Y2

Phone: (902) 491-8999
Toll free: 1-800-870-3331

General fax: (902) 491-8002
Injury reporting fax: (902) 491-8001

Telephone support

Nova Scotians can use videoconferencing technology to meet with a doctor or specialist without leaving their communities. The Nova Scotia Telehealth Network has dozens of locations all over the province where you can go to speak to your doctor online. The doctor will be able to see and hear you, conduct visual examinations and listen to your symptoms. More health professionals can be patched into the videoconference session, so your entire health team can participate in the appointment, even if they are scattered throughout the province.

To contact the Telehealth Network, find your district and use the contact information associated with that office. Or contact the Help Desk:

Toll-free: 1-800-889-5949
Phone: (902) 470-7690 (Outside Nova Scotia)
Fax: (902) 470-7692
E-mail: nsthnsch@nshealth.ca

By dialing 8-1-1, Nova Scotians can access non-emergency health advice, information and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HealthLink connects you to registered nurses who can listen to your symptoms and provide health advice, give you information about general health issues, and link you to health services in your community. You can also browse through health topics on the HealthLink website.

DISABILITY SUPPORT

Assistive devices

Abledata is an online federal service providing information on assistive devices and where to get them.

The Canadian Red Cross operates 30 health equipment rental depots across Nova Scotia where you can rent assistive devices for a small fee. You can get more information on the program at (902) 424-1420.

You can obtain a rebate on part of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applied to the cost of a computer if you have a disability in Nova Scotia. Just fill out this form (requires Adobe Reader), attach your bill and submit it to the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Your doctor will have to fill out the certificate section confirming your disability.

St. Mary’s University offers a long list of services for students with a disability, including access to some assistive technology. These services may be made available even if you don’t attend the university.

Atlantic Centre of Research, Access, and Support for Students with Disabilities
Saint Mary's University
923 Robie Street, 3rd floor Student Centre
Halifax, NS
B3H 3C3

Phone: (902) 420-5452
TTY: (902) 425-1257
Fax: (902) 496-8122

Need something unique or unusual? The Tetra Society of North America is a multidisciplinary volunteer organization that will design and build customized devices to aid your independence. They charge only for materials and expenses, and have chapters in Antigonish and Halifax. Search their database of assistive devices or request assistance online.

In Halifax:
Kevin Murphy
Phone: (902) 860-1995
E-mail: tetrahalifax@ns.sympatico.ca

In Antigonish:
Cyril MacGillivray
Phone: (902) 870-3054
E-mail: cyril.macgillivray@strait.ednet.ns.ca

If you need help with the cost of assistive devices like a wheelchair or hearing aid, Easter Seals Nova Scotia (formerly the Abilities Foundation) may be able to help. They provide all manner of assistive devices based on need and availability. They also have an equipment loan program. Find out more about the services offered by Easter Seals Nova Scotia.

Faye Joudrey
Phone: (902) 453-6000 ext. 226
E-mail: f.joudrey@easterseals.ns.ca

The Department of Community Services provides volunteer services to people with disabilities, and may be of some assistance in helping you to locate and procure assistive devices. To contact Community Services, go through your local health district or call 1-877-424-1177 (toll-free; Nova Scotia only).

Employment support for people with a disability

The Department of Community Services offers employment support through the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) program. Through this program you can get:

• skills assessment
• career counseling
• job skills training
• help to go to school
• disability supports

To apply for the program, contact your local Community Services office.

If you have an intellectual disability, you can receive skills training and other employment supports through the Department of Community Services Adult Service Centres. There are 30 centres across the province offering a variety of different services from day programs to placement in community employment.

Find an Adult Service Centre near you. Or call 1-877-424-1177.

Financial support for people with disabilities

If your income falls too low to meet basic needs, you become eligible for Income Assistance from the Department of Community Services. Recipients of this assistance get additional help with medical expenses, including prescription drugs, and can receive extra money for special needs.

Find out more. Or call Community Services: 1-877-424-1177.

If you were in the workforce, but are now unable to work because of your disability, you may be eligible for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits.
Learn more
Find a Service Canada centre near you

The Community Services Access-A-Home program will assist with the cost of renovating a home for wheelchair access if you are unable to afford to pay yourself. You might be eligible to receive more assistance in the form of a loan.

Find out more.
Or call Community Services: 1-877-424-1177.

The Provincial Tax Commission will rebate 10% of your HST on the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle if your legs are disabled. There are several conditions, check here for more information (requires Adobe Reader).

Provincial Tax Commission
P.O. Box 1003
1505 Barrington Street
8th Floor, Maritime Centre
Halifax, NS
B3J 2X1

Phone: (902) 424-6300
Toll-free: 1-800-565-2336 (Nova Scotia only)
Fax: (902) 424-7434

You may be able to get a ride to where you need to go through Dial-A-Ride at 1-877-305-7433. If you live in Halifax, you may be eligible for accessible public transportation through Access-A-Bus.

Home care and assisted living

The Department of Health assists Nova Scotians to live in the community through the Continuing Care Home Care program. Home Care will provide assistance with bathing and grooming, light housework, nursing services and oxygen therapy. There is a fee for the services, adjusted to your income level.

Continuing Care also administers long term care facilities for Nova Scotians who need higher levels of care and can’t remain in their homes.

Finally, Nova Scotians with disabilities can obtain funds from Continuing Care to hire their own caregivers through the Self-Managed Care program. It is not possible to hire family members using these funds.

Get more information on Continuing Care services. Or call Continuing Care 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily: 1-800-225-7225. Out of province: 1-902-424-6090.

Respite services

The Continuing Care program of the Department of Health will provide respite services for caregivers.

Call Continuing Care 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily: 1-800-225-7225. Out of province: 1-902-424-6090.

Caregivers Nova Scotia is a volunteer agency that can help with respite, day programs and other services for caregivers.

Caregivers Nova Scotia
3433 Dutch Village Road, Suite 2
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3N 2S7

Toll free in Nova Scotia: 1-877-488-7390
Phone: (902) 421-7390
Fax: (902) 421-7338
E-mail: support@caregiversns.org

If you have a special needs child, you can obtain respite services through the Direct Family Support Program.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Medical records

The information in your medical records belongs to you, but the physical records themselves belong to the doctor, hospital or other health institution that keeps them. This means that you have a right to see the records and obtain copies, but not to take the records away or alter any information in them. You doctor may require a written request and up to 30 days notice before showing you your records, and he may hold back any non-medical information or information he feels is harmful to you or someone else. He may also charge a reasonable fee for making copies.

Nova Scotia requires doctors and hospitals to hold patient records for 10 years before destroying them.

If you have concerns about the handling of your medical information, you should contact the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office.

Mailing Address:
Box 181
Halifax, NS
B3J 2M4

Phone: (902) 424-4684
Toll-free: 1-866-243-1564
Fax: (902) 424-8303

Power of Attorney and other legal relationships

Please note: The information provided here is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Nova Scotia recognizes Power of Attorney agreements, which empower a third party to handle your financial affairs, and enduring Power of Attorney agreements which remain in effect if you become unable to make your own decisions. Nova Scotia Power of Attorney agreements must be created when you are still competent and witnessed by someone who is not involved in the agreement. They can be revoked by you at any time and do not impede your authority to handle your own affairs.

Health directives are agreements that set out your wishes for your care in the event that you are unable to make your own decisions. The main function of a health directive is to appoint a substitute decision-maker who will be able to consent to treatment on your behalf. Nova Scotia health professionals are bound to obey your agent’s directives under the Personal Directives Act.

Nova Scotians may also draw up a living will which states your wishes for care in the event that you are diagnosed as terminally ill and unable to make your own decisions. Living wills are not binding, but health professionals normally respect them.

The Power of Attorney Act
The Personal Directives Act

For more information about Nova Scotia Power of Attorney relationships, contact the Nova Scotia Public Trustee Office.

Public Trustee Office
Suite 405, 5670 Spring Garden Road
P.O. Box 685
Halifax, NS
B3J 2T3

Phone: (902) 424-7760
Fax: (902) 424-0616

Regulatory and administrative bodies

Medical Services Insurance (MSI) is the public health insurer in Nova Scotia, under the auspices of the Department of Health.

Community health care is delivered in Nova Scotia by the District Health Authorities.

Doctors are licenced and regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Nurses are regulated by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia.