Apply for extended health care benefits and Pharmacare for seniors

Eligibility

You have to be registered with Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan.

How to get the form

If you're registered with Yukon Heath Care Insurance Plan, we'll send you a Pharmacare program application form in the month you turn 65. Contact our office if you have not received your form.

How to apply

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Return the application form.
3. In person: 4th floor, 204 Lambert Street, Whitehorse. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Extended Benefits Program (H-2)
   Box 2703
   Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
4. We process your application form.
5. You'll receive a green Pharmacare card within 3 weeks by mail.

Why would your benefits stop?

• If you're away from the Yukon for more than 183 consecutive days.
• Your benefits stop the date you permanently move out of the territory.

If you're out of the territory for up to 210 days

You can keep your benefits if you satisfy the director of Insurance Health Services that the Yukon is your only permanent residence.

Resources

Learn more about pharmacare and extended health eligibility, benefits and restrictions

The Pharmacare card confirms your eligibility for all insured physician, hospital and seniors' benefits. The program is the insurer of last resort. You have to pay your costs 1st, then you'll be reimbursed.

If you receive health insurance benefits through your employer or a 3rd-party insurance agency:

• 1st, submit your claims to these insurers; and
• do not submit the same claims to both Pharmacare and your employer or 3rd-party insurance agency.

Pharmacare coverage

Benefits under the Pharmacare program include partial or 100% coverage.

Medical surgical supplies or equipment

You may be able to get:

• walking aids;
• hand inhalers;
• artificial eyes and limbs;
• respiratory equipment;
• commodes; and
• manual wheelchairs.

Hearing aids

• 1 hearing aid is allowed in a 4-year period.
• Repair and adjustment of 1 hearing aid with a 12-month warranty.
• No charge for adjustments.
• Batteries are not covered.

Dental care

• The plan pays for dentures or rebases once in a 5-year period.
• Coverage is limited to $1,400 in any 2-year period.
• If you present your Pharmacare card to the dentist, they'll submit the bill directly to the health-care plan for payment.

You'll be have to pay any amount over the $1,400 limit. If you need high-cost procedures, you should sign the appropriate application form available through your clinic. Then, have your dental clinic submit the form to the Pharmacare program to get prior approval for the procedure.

Eye examinations and glasses

• The plan may pay for 1 eye examination, new lenses and a maximum of $100 toward the purchase of frames once every 2 years.
• Benefits do not include the repair of glasses.
• The purchase of tinted or contact lenses is not covered.

Prescription medications

If you do not have the Pharmacare card with you when making a purchase, you'll be charged for the cost of drugs. The program may refund this amount, but you must submit the original receipt.

The Pharmacare program will pay the total costs of the lowest priced generics of all prescription drugs. You can find a list of drugs and costs in the Yukon Pharmacare Formulary. The cost includes the the dispensing fee.

Non-prescription drugs and goods

The program covers some non-prescription drugs and goods:

• compounds used in the control of heart disease, nitroglycerin, preparations, digoxin and other digitalis- related products;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• analgesics used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic conditions; and
• insulin syringes.

What Pharmacare does not cover

Pharmacare does not cover the cost of products that do not require a prescription, such as:

• vitamins;
• patent medicines;
• personal care items;
• medical or surgical supplies;
• laxatives;
• antacids; and
• most medicines used in the treatment of colds.