Sackville man says mandatory drug plan too expensive

Jon McKiel of Sackville is worried many people don't know they won't be able to opt out of the prescription drug plan that takes effect on Apr. 1, 2015.

The mandatory plan was introduced by the Alward government in Dec. 2010 as a way to ensure that anyone without insurance through their employer would have coverage for prescribed drugs.

McKiel, who works as a cook at a café, is married with a young daughter and another baby on the way. He says he was shocked to learn the new program could cost them $1,600 annually.

"Last year we spent $15 on prescriptions," he said.

McKiel says if he earned a little bit less, the cost of the drug plan would be covered by the province. 

"It represents a pretty significant amount of our yearly earnings. In fact, it's more than our property tax, it's more than our internet and our phone — it's a big expense," McKiel said.

According to the rates in place for this year, McKiel and his wife will each pay $67 dollars per month when the program becomes mandatory.

"Like $134 a month to us is pretty huge. No one that I talk to about has any clue about what's going to happen."

Anthony Knight, CEO of the New Brunswick Medical Society, says the plan is necessary.

He says doctors have been calling for a prescription drug plan for years because they often see patients who cannot afford their prescriptions.

"Unfortunately when you do become ill, and it does happen to folks at any age, unfortunately this coverage is needed," Knight said.

Cost is a 'challenge'

McKiel says that may be the case, but he believes the provincial government needs to start warning people about the change.

"I think a lot of people are going to be very surprised when they get that bill," he said.

"You know we live right beside Nova Scotia so maybe we're considering a move right back across the border. " 

In the meantime McKiel is going to start shopping around to see if he can find private coverage.

"Hopefully enough people are outraged by it that they change the policy somewhat."

Knight understands that the amount may be difficult for many to afford but he says the program is long overdue.

"It's a sliding scale in terms of who pays what, and it is tied to your income so while it is disappointing that some people will find it a challenge to cover the cost of the program, there is an overall health benefit."

The premiums for the first phase of the prescription drug program, which goes from May 1, 2014 to Mar. 31, 2015, range from $800 per year per adult for families earning a gross income between $26,360 and $49,389 annually.

The premiums rise to $2,000 per year per adult for families earning between $75,001 and $100,000 annually.

Former Health minister Ted Flemming said earlier this year that premiums for the drug plan should go down in Phase 2 which begins Apr. 1, 2015.

He says when it becomes mandatory, the number of participants will increase which will drive the cost down.

The province estimates 70,000 families in New Brunswick have no drug coverage and are not eligible for coverage through social assistance.