Hepatitis C: An In-Depth Guide

Prescription Drug Programs in New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) provides prescription drug benefits to eligible residents of New Brunswick. To apply for these benefits, a person must have a valid New Brunswick Medicare card (health card). If a person does not have a valid health card, they can contact New Brunswick Medicare to apply for one.

Ten different drug plans are available to eligible beneficiaries (there is no plan specifically for hepatitis C drugs):  

• A (Seniors)—for people 65 years of age or older who receive the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or qualify based on income level
• B (Cystic Fibrosis)—for people with cystic fibrosis or juvenile or infant sclerosis of the pancreas who do not receive benefits from other sources
• E (Adults in Licensed Residential Facilities)—for people living in a licensed adult residential facility
• F (Social Development)—for people who receive Social Assistance
• G (Special Needs Children and Children in Care of the Ministry of Social Development)
• H (Multiple Sclerosis)—for people with multiple sclerosis who need help paying for certain medications
• R (Organ Transplant)—for people who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant and need coverage for certain medications
• T (Human Growth Hormone Deficiency)—for people under the age of 18 who have a growth hormone deficiency
• U (HIV/AIDS)—for people with HIV/AIDS who need prescription medications
• V (Nursing Home Residents)—for people who live in a registered nursing home

Coverage for Hepatitis C Medications

Coverage for hepatitis C medication varies depending on the drug plan for which people are eligible.  Eligible Social Assistance clients receive prescription drug coverage through Plan F (Social Development) and can apply to have their medications covered through this plan. Social Assistance case workers may request that their clients obtain a letter from their hepatitis specialist in order to receive coverage. Case workers are able to notify their clients about the documentation that is needed to apply for coverage given the individual’s personal health and financial circumstances.

Low-income families and individuals under the age of 65 who have high drug costs and do not receive Social Assistance will have to obtain coverage for prescription drugs through their place of employment or a private health insurance company, as there is no plan available for these residents.

In New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program outlines hepatitis C medications that are eligible for coverage.

Some jurisdictions have or are planning to remove restrictions on who qualifies for treatment coverage. Other jurisdictions have restrictions on who qualifies for treatment coverage. This may include requiring a certain level of liver injury (fibrosis stage). However, often a person can receive treatment coverage if they are experiencing hepatitis C-related health issues, are of child bearing age and are planning to get pregnant within the next 12 months, or are experiencing other health issues specified in the restrictions.

Hepatitis C medications may require special authorization before they can be covered.

If people require more information about treatment coverage or drug programs, they can call the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program at (506) 867-4515.

Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people may be able to access coverage for their hepatitis C medications through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. People can contact NIHB by phone or mail at:

Non-Insured Health Benefits – Atlantic Region
First Nations and Inuit Health
Health Canada
1505 Barrington Street, Suite 1525
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3Y6                                                                                                                               

Toll-free: 1-800-565-3294