Prescription Drug Benefits

Eligible Prescription Drugs

A wide variety of prescription drugs are covered under the AFBS prescription drug formulary. This is a managed formulary and includes many available drugs.

Prescription drugs, serums and injectables covered under the AFBS formulary, and which can only be purchased on the written prescription of a Medical Doctor or dentist or health practitioner as may be specified under their provincially legislated scope of practice, are eligible for reimbursement. This also includes prescribed diabetic supplies.

This is a generic drug plan. Pharmacists will dispense the generic equivalent of the brand name drug unless your Medical Doctor, dentist or health care practitioner has specifically handwritten "no substitutes" on your prescription.

While a broad range of prescription drugs are covered under the AFBS formulary, not all prescription drugs are covered. Also, certain drugs or categories of drugs may require a request for Special Authorization or coordination with your provincial drug plan. Typically, expensive new drugs providing minimal or no increased therapeutic value would not be added to the formulary, while Special Authorization may be required in situations where the patient has not responded to first-line therapies or where the drug may have potential for widespread use outside of the approved use. For example: Special Authorization will be required for Botox and vitamin B injections, erectile dysfunction, anti-obesity and rheumatoid arthritis biologicals. From time to time new drugs are added to the Special Authorization register.

Some pharmacies may charge above the usual and customary costs. When this occurs, your out-of-pocket costs may be in excess of the program design. Official, Original Receipts may be submitted to AFBS with a written request for review.