The True Post (Web News) A new agreement has been reached between the Alberta government and the Alberta Pharmacists Association, aimed at making pharmacy services more convenient, less expensive, and available closer to home for citizens.
The new framework will provide people with chronic but stable illnesses with medicines for a longer period of time, eliminating the need for frequent visits to the pharmacy. In addition, pharmacist-led medical services will be expanded through pilot projects in rural and remote areas, while a financing system has been introduced that will maintain service delivery while balancing costs.
Under the new reimbursement system, pharmacists working in specialized medical centers, including continuing care, will be able to perform more clinical services than they have traditionally provided, so that patients can receive better treatment everywhere.
Under this agreement, patients with stable chronic diseases will be able to obtain up to 100 days’ worth of their medication at once, reducing the need for frequent trips to the pharmacy and also reducing unnecessary expenses.
“This agreement is based on practical outcomes, which will lead to fewer trips for residents, improved access to healthcare and more care closer to home,” said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventive Health Services. “Pharmacists are trusted frontline health professionals and this agreement will provide timely and convenient healthcare services to Albertans,” he said.
The framework also includes a mechanism for funding pharmacy services, including an agreement between Alberta Blue Cross and pharmacies, while further strengthening the Alberta Pharmacists Association as the representative organization of community pharmacists.
“As a pharmacy owner and pharmacist, I see growing health needs in my communities every day,” said Elaine Jing, president of the Alberta Pharmacists Association. “This agreement will provide financial stability for pharmacies and help them continue to provide high-quality medical services, including treating chronic diseases and providing timely medications and vaccines.”
Under the three-year agreement, pharmacies’ fees will be increased by 3% each year in the first two years, while new rates will be determined after reviewing results in the third year.
For the first time in more than a decade, the dispensing fee for prescriptions is also being increased. The fee for prescriptions with a duration of less than 84 days will increase from $12.15 to $12.35, and for prescriptions with a duration of 84 days or more, it will increase from $12.15 to $13.50.
Starting next fall, additional services will be provided at select pharmacies in rural and remote areas, including initial health screenings, point-of-care testing, and early diagnosis of urgent illnesses, so that patients can receive prompt treatment in their own areas.
These pilot projects are being introduced to improve access to essential medicines, particularly in rural, remote and indigenous populations, where long travel delays treatment. In addition, licensed medical prescribers will be able to maintain a limited stock of specific addiction treatment medicines in case of emergency.
The new framework also includes a number of measures to ensure the effective use of government spending. These include a monthly billing limit for clinical pharmacy services for each pharmacist of $13,000 from June 26, 2026, more data will be collected on treatment plans to better assess their benefits, and a specific list of daily medications will be introduced to reduce unnecessary costs and ensure appropriate use of medications.
