The Manitoba government will freeze deductible rates for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program in 2023-24 to keep pharmacare affordable for Manitobans who need it.
“Our government recognizes the financial challenges facing many Manitobans,” Health Minister Audrey Gordon said. “That is why, for the third time in four years, we are waiving any increase to the rates for the 2023-24 benefit year, which begins on April 1.”
Each year, program participants are required to pay a portion of the cost of their eligible prescription drugs, which is the pharmacare deductible. It is updated every year, based on a set formula. Following this formula, the rates for 2023-24 would have increased by more than six per cent if the Manitoba government had not chosen to implement a freeze. In 2022-23, the pharmacare deductible rates increased by 1.8 per cent. In the previous two years, the Manitoba government froze the deductible rates, recognizing the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic recovery.
The deductible is calculated based on adjusted family income, and Manitobans are reminded that a family’s deductible may still change this year if their income has changed. Annual filing of taxes is recommended to ensure access to this important program.
Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Coverage is based on total family income and the amount paid for eligible prescription drugs.
