Effective November 1, changes take effect to the Family Health Benefit program that make it possible for more families to receive help with the cost of prescription drugs. Families may also be eligible for the program if they have at least one child who is a full-time student and under 25 years old.

The Children’s Dental Care Program will expand its upper age threshold to now include children from three years-old to 17 years-old.

“We expect the Family Health Benefit program expansion will provide drug coverage for an additional 150 Prince Edward Island families,” said the Minister. “On the dental health side, we are adding one additional year of service for the more than 16,000 children who benefit from the program each year.”

For more information about the Family Health Benefit or the Children’s Dental Care Program, visit www.gov.pe.ca/sss and search by program name or call the Department of Social Services and Seniors at 1-866-594-3777. Copies of an updated Family Health Benefit brochure will also be available from community pharmacies and Island Information Service later this month.

Backgrounder: Family Health Benefit Program

The following is the income range to qualify for the Family Health Benefit Program:

Number of children, 1, Net Annual Family Income, less than $24,800

Number of children, 2, Net Annual Family Income, less than $27,800

Number of children, 3, Net Annual Family Income, less than $30,800

Number of children, 4, Net Annual Family Income, less than $33,800

Number of children, more than 4, Net Annual Family Income, add $3,000 for each additional child.

Families may also be eligible for coverage if at least one child is living at home is a full-time student and under 25 years old.

The PEI Family Health Benefit pays for the medication. The family pays only the pharmacy fee. Families can get prescriptions at any pharmacy in Prince Edward Island.

Backgrounder: Children’s Dental Care Program

The Children’s Dental Care Program provides for examinations and treatment services (fillings, extractions, etc.) from any participating private dentist or from one of the Dental Public Health clinics. Parents pay an annual registration fee of $15 per child to a family maximum of $35. Parent's are also responsible for a 'parent's contribution' of 20 percent of the treatment service fees.

Families with a total net family income of less than $30,000 per year can apply for an exemption from the 20 percent parent's contribution. Application forms for this exemption are available from dental offices, Access PEI sites, from Dental Public Health clinics or from the program website.