Reimbursement model for pharmacy services takes effect in Alberta

Abstract

After a lengthy period of negotiations with the province's pharmacists, the Alberta government has implemented a reimbursement model for 7 pharmacy services. The new framework took effect July 1, 2012. On that date, the province also brought in reductions to generic pricing to 35% of the equivalent brand price. Both changes reflect “an important transition in the funding model for community pharmacy,” said the president of the Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA) in a letter to Alberta pharmacists. “Although we expect the transition to be difficult, RxA has used these changes as an opportunity to build a bright future for the profession that supports the role of the pharmacist in providing care to Albertans.” Pharmacists in Alberta have had an expanded scope of practice for most of the services since 2007. Under the new model, they are to be reimbursed for such services as renewing and adapting prescriptions, prescribing in an emergency, administration of drugs by injection, creation of comprehensive care plans and medication management. The province is also providing a remote access grant for pharmacies, committing to spend $15.9 million over the next 3 years to help support pharmacies in remote communities.