During the last round of bargaining many bargaining units accepted a PharmaCare tie in to help in reducing the cost of their extended health plans.  Although many members already had a PharmaCare tie in, many others are just starting to go through the change and may be finding they must navigate unfamiliar processes in order to get their prescription drug covered by the extended health plan.

A PharmaCare tie in is a restriction on the drugs your extended health plan will reimburse you for.  It limits you to drugs that are included on the PharmaCare drug formulary.   

Reimbursement may be limited by the Low Cost Alternative and/or Reference Based Drug programs.

To find out if you have a PharmaCare tie in please check your benefits booklet.  This information should be found under the Extended Health Plan information.

Below are some resources to help you better understand how the PharmaCare tie in affects your extended health plan.

Basic information about PharmaCare tie in

Frequently asked questions about PharmaCare tie in

Detailed powerpoint presentation on PharmaCare tie in