Drug Cost Assistance

The Special Support Program is an income-tested program that helps residents with their drug costs in relation to their income. Applicants will receive a deductible and a co-payment for each calendar year. The Special Support Estimate Calculator is a way to estimate your drug coverage based on the information you provide. Special Support Program - Questions and Answers

1. Eligibility
2. Application
3. Confirmation of Coverage
4. Reassessment
5. Other Programs

Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch

Toll-free: 1-800-667-7581
Phone: 306-787-3317
Email: DPEB@health.gov.sk.ca
Fax: 306-787-8679

Address: 3475 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 6X6

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1. Eligibility

The Ministry of Health determines eligibility for the Special Support Program based on eligible prescription drug history and income information provided with the application.

Families who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Seniors Income Plan (SIP) or Family Health Benefits may apply for the Special Support Program. Individuals with the Seniors' Drug Plan may also apply for the Special Support Program.

Individuals or families with coverage through federal government programs, such as the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program or Veterans Affairs, are not eligible for the Special Support Program.

2. Application

Families or individuals apply to the program by completing the Special Support application form and providing income documentation. Choose an application form at the following links:

• Fill out the Side A application form to provide your consent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to release specific income information (Line 15000) to the Ministry of Health, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch. No annual application is required. Your coverage is automatically renewed each year, as long as your income tax return is filed each year.
• Fill out the Side B application form if you do not file income tax or would rather submit an application with your income documentation each year. In the fall, a renewal application will be mailed to you with instructions on how to renew your coverage.
  • Mail, fax or email your application to the Drug Plan's Special Support Program.
  • You will receive a confirmation of benefits letter when the initial application is processed.
  • Special Support coverage begins on the date the Drug Plan receives your complete application, including income documentation.
  • You are encouraged to complete Side A for automatic annual renewal and to prevent a lapse in coverage.

  3. Confirmation of Coverage

  Initial application: You will receive a confirmation of benefits letter after the initial application is processed. The letter is mailed to the address on your Saskatchewan Health Card file.

  Renewal:

  Side B: You will be required to re-apply each year by submitting a complete application, with supporting income documentation. Renewal letters are mailed once the application is processed.

  Side A: Coverage is automatically renewed each year. Letters for the 2025 coverage period will be available after December 1, 2024.

  You may request your Special Support letter if coverage is in place. Go to the Request Letter section and enter the nine-digit Health Services Number located on your Saskatchewan Health Card. Select the Program Type as Special Support Program.

  If you require a letter for your records, but do not receive the letter after seven days through the online Request Your Special Support letter process, call the Drug Plan at 1-800-667-7581.

  Your pharmacy will be aware of your 2025 coverage when your first prescription is filled after January 2025.

  4. Reassessment

  If your annual income or medication costs change during the coverage period, you may send a written request for a reassessment of coverage to the ministry's Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch, Special Support Program. You must include documentation of income changes.

  Related Items

  • Special Support Program QA The Special Support Program assists individuals or families with high drug costs in relation to their income.

  5. Other Programs

  Seniors may also apply for the Seniors' Drug Plan. Eligible seniors pay $25 for prescriptions listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status.

  You will pay the lesser amount depending on other programs. For example:

  • If your medication is $25 per prescription under the Children's Drug Plan, but $11 under the Special Support program, you will continue to pay $11 for that prescription.
  • If your medication is $25 per prescription under the Seniors' Drug Plan, but $11 under the Special Support program, you will continue to pay $11 for that prescription.

  There will be no change in coverage for those individuals who have drug coverage under:

  • Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL);
  • Palliative care programs; or
  • Seniors' Income Plan (SIP) and reside in a long-term care facility.

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