NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:19 am
#16
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Very true and explained to me once at a conference. Extended health is really only worth it if provided by an employer UNLESS you have the benefit of a crystal ball and know that at some point you will need a crazily expensive drug. They aren't charities and will be looking to recover their costs plus profit.
In reality, most Canadians do not have extended health, this forum is a little biased I think as most ( but not all) are immigrants in well paid jobs compared to the average person- otherwise how did they get here!
OP- be careful- you are excited with your job and the opportunity but you are both diabetics.
You have that wait for a card- its the remainder of the month you arrive plus 2 more.
Then you have to get a GP- hopefully you know there is no entitlement to a GP as per the UK. A sizeable proportion of the population cannot get a GP- 30 % at least in my town.
One factor for you is the diabetes- mentioning that as you scrabble for a GP may get you one- we get paid more for them!!!
If not- you will need to use walk in clinics- most have long waits and will close if the doctor can't see any more ( fees capped).
Prescriptions- you pay for somehow.
Either you pay it- the whole amount plus a dispensing fee.
You can get Fair pharmacare- they pay a proportion after your deductible.
You have Extended health care- if you are lucky- they often pay 80-100%. Some people just have a set amount to use per year.
BUT and its a big but!
Diabetic medication in Canada is expensive.
Metformin is cheap but thats about it.
To qualify for some coverage by Pharmacare, you often need something called Special Authority- the rules depend on the drug. Your doctor needs to apply. I can imagine Walk in clinics would not be happy to do it as extra work and a faff!!
Often the doctor would need to know other drugs tried and the reasons they were changed- very hard for an immigrant.
To make it harder, some of the Extended health care companies also insist on Special authority being applied for- think Blue Cross and now Green Shield- I'm sure others will follow.
I'm hoping you are staring to see your issue! Your meds may cost you hundreds per month- maybe long term dependant on your income/job.
As diabetics you need to factor this in and do some extensive research. There are many Canadians who don't/can't take medication because they just can't afford them.
Look at Pacific Blue Cross | BC Life to see if you can work out costs.
I've only started gaining info on the medical system out there today so still very uneducated about if other than what you guys are telling me.
There is clearly a lot more to learn. Appreciate the links and will look at them now
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:34 am
#17
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Very true and explained to me once at a conference. Extended health is really only worth it if provided by an employer UNLESS you have the benefit of a crystal ball and know that at some point you will need a crazily expensive drug. They aren't charities and will be looking to recover their costs plus profit.
In reality, most Canadians do not have extended health, this forum is a little biased I think as most ( but not all) are immigrants in well paid jobs compared to the average person- otherwise how did they get here!
OP- be careful- you are excited with your job and the opportunity but you are both diabetics.
You have that wait for a card- its the remainder of the month you arrive plus 2 more.
Then you have to get a GP- hopefully you know there is no entitlement to a GP as per the UK. A sizeable proportion of the population cannot get a GP- 30 % at least in my town.
One factor for you is the diabetes- mentioning that as you scrabble for a GP may get you one- we get paid more for them!!!
If not- you will need to use walk in clinics- most have long waits and will close if the doctor can't see any more ( fees capped).
Prescriptions- you pay for somehow.
Either you pay it- the whole amount plus a dispensing fee.
You can get Fair pharmacare- they pay a proportion after your deductible.
You have Extended health care- if you are lucky- they often pay 80-100%. Some people just have a set amount to use per year.
BUT and its a big but!
Diabetic medication in Canada is expensive.
Metformin is cheap but thats about it.
To qualify for some coverage by Pharmacare, you often need something called Special Authority- the rules depend on the drug. Your doctor needs to apply. I can imagine Walk in clinics would not be happy to do it as extra work and a faff!!
Often the doctor would need to know other drugs tried and the reasons they were changed- very hard for an immigrant.
To make it harder, some of the Extended health care companies also insist on Special authority being applied for- think Blue Cross and now Green Shield- I'm sure others will follow.
I'm hoping you are staring to see your issue! Your meds may cost you hundreds per month- maybe long term dependant on your income/job.
As diabetics you need to factor this in and do some extensive research. There are many Canadians who don't/can't take medication because they just can't afford them.
Look at Pacific Blue Cross | BC Life to see if you can work out costs.
I've had one employer out of probably a dozen offer it. Even the union job I had didn't offer extended health.
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:41 am
#18
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Regarding the bold part. I agree there. My wife was born in Canada and has worked over a dozen jobs in Canada and to date only 1 has offered extended health and it was pretty crummy coverage.
I've had one employer out of probably a dozen offer it. Even the union job I had didn't offer extended health.
I've had one employer out of probably a dozen offer it. Even the union job I had didn't offer extended health.
I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:45 am
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,402
From: South of Calgary
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
So surely then, it would be more beneficial to get private coverage if it's so hard to get a doctor? But how would that work with paying your meds? Would they cover that. I assume the price would be extortionate for pre existing conditions as it is here !!
I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !
I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !
I use about 32 units of lantus and 50-60 units of Novarapid each day. Without extended health, they would cost me around $350 a month (I think - I don't keep the receipts so I don't know for sure). My test strips cost about $80 a month.
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:48 am
#20
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Extended health just covers what the provincial plan doesn't.
We don't have the option in Canada for full private insurance.
If not offered through work extended health plans very often cost too much to make them worth it if self paying.
It can be hard to find a doctor and you have to keep your ears open to find one. Ask walk in clinic if they know of any new doctors as one example.
We got our GP by asking the walk in clinic who just happened to know of a new doctor who was accepting patients. He filled his roster within like 3 weeks though so when a doc takes on patients they can fill up fast.
Took me about 8 years in BC before I got a GP the first time as her GP was willing to take me on.
We don't have the option in Canada for full private insurance.
If not offered through work extended health plans very often cost too much to make them worth it if self paying.
It can be hard to find a doctor and you have to keep your ears open to find one. Ask walk in clinic if they know of any new doctors as one example.
We got our GP by asking the walk in clinic who just happened to know of a new doctor who was accepting patients. He filled his roster within like 3 weeks though so when a doc takes on patients they can fill up fast.
Took me about 8 years in BC before I got a GP the first time as her GP was willing to take me on.
So surely then, it would be more beneficial to get private coverage if it's so hard to get a doctor? But how would that work with paying your meds? Would they cover that. I assume the price would be extortionate for pre existing conditions as it is here !!
I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !
I am completely confused about the different healthcare !! Sorry if the above does not make any sense, but I am lost !
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Nov 19th 2016 at 5:52 am.
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:49 am
#21
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
If you are talking BUPA style private coverage, that doesn't really exist over here. Doctors have to choose between working in the public sector, or in the private sector, they can't switch hats as they can in the UK.
I use about 32 units of lantus and 50-60 units of Novarapid each day. Without extended health, they would cost me around $350 a month (I think - I don't keep the receipts so I don't know for sure). My test strips cost about $80 a month.
I use about 32 units of lantus and 50-60 units of Novarapid each day. Without extended health, they would cost me around $350 a month (I think - I don't keep the receipts so I don't know for sure). My test strips cost about $80 a month.
I am just trying to figure out the way to get ensure my husband is covered, whatever it costs (but would prefer less than more if possible!)
Nov 19th 2016 | 5:52 am
#22
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
OK, I understand. I think a talk with the new boss is needed. I haven't actually accepted the job yet because I am trying to get all this figured out although we absolutely want to come over. Everything has happened so quickly that I haven't had a chance to overly research which of course, is absolutely critical so I am massively appreciative to you all.
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:09 am
#23
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 413
From: Okanagan Canada
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
If you moving to Vancouver ( maybe Victoria and Kelowna also), there are some private GPs which is good if you want continuity of care and prescriptions. But they would charge for everything, you would still need MSP coverage for specialists and hospital. Prescriptions you still pay for as above.
I do not think any Extended health care companies would pay for these private GPs- so out of your pocket- but maybe allowable against tax????- I'm not an accountant!
Re your confusion- as stated by others
Everyone needs MSP coverage
You apply for Fair Pharmacare yourself. In theory everyone should , in practice its mainly those on lower incomes who do, although even if earning a very high wage, IF you have extremely expensive medication its still worth it.
Extended pays for things not covered by MSP- some physio, massage therapy, orthotics, some dental, meds etc
BUT each scheme is different- so read carefully
Some just cover the employee, some whole families. Some are a fixed amount- say $1000 per year- some are a % of everything.
It is very confusing and costs are a significant barrier to good comprehensive medical care for some!
I do not think any Extended health care companies would pay for these private GPs- so out of your pocket- but maybe allowable against tax????- I'm not an accountant!
Re your confusion- as stated by others
Everyone needs MSP coverage
You apply for Fair Pharmacare yourself. In theory everyone should , in practice its mainly those on lower incomes who do, although even if earning a very high wage, IF you have extremely expensive medication its still worth it.
Extended pays for things not covered by MSP- some physio, massage therapy, orthotics, some dental, meds etc
BUT each scheme is different- so read carefully
Some just cover the employee, some whole families. Some are a fixed amount- say $1000 per year- some are a % of everything.
It is very confusing and costs are a significant barrier to good comprehensive medical care for some!
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:14 am
#24
Dichotomus tinker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,700
From: Ontario, Canada
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
OK, I understand. I think a talk with the new boss is needed. I haven't actually accepted the job yet because I am trying to get all this figured out although we absolutely want to come over. Everything has happened so quickly that I haven't had a chance to overly research which of course, is absolutely critical so I am massively appreciative to you all.
A google search is needed to find one & to compare what is available
I found one for reference purposes only
https://www.sbis.ca/green-shield-canada.html
or you could contact the Canadian diabetes association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Good luck to you
.
Last edited by not2old; Nov 19th 2016 at 6:17 am.
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:17 am
#25
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Thanks all.
I am rapidly educating myself on costs from all this superb information and the links given.
It looks like insulin is covered but I still have zero idea of a cost even with Pharmacare etc !! I am sure it will all make sense to me at some point soon (hopefully!). I will absolutely keep up with the research.
Critically, as long as a doctor and insulin will be available after the 90 days of bringing our meds from the UK, then that is my main concern because obviously we can't risk running out of that, not even for a few hours.
I am rapidly educating myself on costs from all this superb information and the links given.
It looks like insulin is covered but I still have zero idea of a cost even with Pharmacare etc !! I am sure it will all make sense to me at some point soon (hopefully!). I will absolutely keep up with the research.
Critically, as long as a doctor and insulin will be available after the 90 days of bringing our meds from the UK, then that is my main concern because obviously we can't risk running out of that, not even for a few hours.
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:27 am
#26
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 413
From: Okanagan Canada
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Thanks all.
I am rapidly educating myself on costs from all this superb information and the links given.
It looks like insulin is covered but I still have zero idea of a cost even with Pharmacare etc !! I am sure it will all make sense to me at some point soon (hopefully!). I will absolutely keep up with the research.
Critically, as long as a doctor and insulin will be available after the 90 days of bringing our meds from the UK, then that is my main concern because obviously we can't risk running out of that, not even for a few hours.
I am rapidly educating myself on costs from all this superb information and the links given.
It looks like insulin is covered but I still have zero idea of a cost even with Pharmacare etc !! I am sure it will all make sense to me at some point soon (hopefully!). I will absolutely keep up with the research.
Critically, as long as a doctor and insulin will be available after the 90 days of bringing our meds from the UK, then that is my main concern because obviously we can't risk running out of that, not even for a few hours.
Costs of meds- is literally the cost
You have a prescription for 21 amoxicillin- the pharmacist wants to sell it to you at $1 per tablet- $21 plus $10 ( approx) dispensing fee- $31 total
You can shop around
Costco tends to be cheapest
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:29 am
#27
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Not all insulin is covered- only the cheap stuff!!
Costs of meds- is literally the cost
You have a prescription for 21 amoxicillin- the pharmacist wants to sell it to you at $1 per tablet- $21 plus $10 ( approx) dispensing fee- $31 total
You can shop around
Costco tends to be cheapest
Costs of meds- is literally the cost
You have a prescription for 21 amoxicillin- the pharmacist wants to sell it to you at $1 per tablet- $21 plus $10 ( approx) dispensing fee- $31 total
You can shop around
Costco tends to be cheapest
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:39 am
#28
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,708
From: White Rock BC
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
There is one huge difference between employer paid extended health plans and individual ones. This is that employer paid plans do not discriminate against preexisting conditions. Whether or not your employer will offer an extended benefits plan is one of the first things you need to find out about. Some plans will allow you to remain a member (although you have to pay the premiums) if you part company with the employer.
If it is a pooled plan this could be useful feature. In a pooled plan premiums are set on the claims experience of thousands of members so your high costs will have relatively little effect on the overall claim costs of the plan. If it is individually underwritten then, well, you don't make money from an insurance company.
If it is a pooled plan this could be useful feature. In a pooled plan premiums are set on the claims experience of thousands of members so your high costs will have relatively little effect on the overall claim costs of the plan. If it is individually underwritten then, well, you don't make money from an insurance company.
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:41 am
#29
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 413
From: Okanagan Canada
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
Nope!
They have pharmacies. You don't have to be a member to use it.
Their dispensing fee tends to be about $5 per item but you get what you pay for. Great for most but for complicated seniors who need more of a holistic approach, local is best.
They have pharmacies. You don't have to be a member to use it.
Their dispensing fee tends to be about $5 per item but you get what you pay for. Great for most but for complicated seniors who need more of a holistic approach, local is best.
Nov 19th 2016 | 6:44 am
#30
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 270
Re: NHS repeat prescriptions and dealing with 90 wait in Canada
There is one huge difference between employer paid extended health plans and individual ones. This is that employer paid plans do not discriminate against preexisting conditions. Whether or not your employer will offer an extended benefits plan is one of the first things you need to find out about. Some plans will allow you to remain a member (although you have to pay the premiums) if you part company with the employer.
If it is a pooled plan this could be useful feature. In a pooled plan premiums are set on the claims experience of thousands of members so your high costs will have relatively little effect on the overall claim costs of the plan. If it is individually underwritten then, well, you don't make money from an insurance company.
If it is a pooled plan this could be useful feature. In a pooled plan premiums are set on the claims experience of thousands of members so your high costs will have relatively little effect on the overall claim costs of the plan. If it is individually underwritten then, well, you don't make money from an insurance company.
Snoopdawg, I had visions of picking up some toilet paper in one aisle and insulin in the next !!
