Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia pharmacare: The Nova Scotia Formulary details which drugs and devices are benefits under the Pharmacare Programs available in the province.

• Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy (BTO) Program: The Boarding, Transportation, and Ostomy (BTO) Program: The Boarding, Transportation, and Ostomy Program is a provincial program that helps eligible Nova Scotia residents undergoing cancer treatment with support for costs related to boarding, transportation, and ostomy supply needs.
• Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients (DACP):The Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program is a provincial drug insurance plan aimed to help Nova Scotians with the cost of certain cancer-related drugs and supplies. The program is meant to assist low-income Nova Scotians who do not have drug coverage.

QEII Patient Essentials Fund: The QEII Patient Essentials Fund provides immediate access to gift cards for gas, groceries, personal care items, and medication for patients in need to support urgent essential needs during a patient’s care journey.

Take-Home Cancer Drug Fund | Nova Scotia Health: The Take-Home Cancer Drug Fund is a fund available through the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Cancer Care Program. This fund assists patients who are faced with very high costs for their take home cancer drugs.

Cancer Support Fund – NSGEU:This fund was created for members or their immediate family who have been diagnosed with cancer and who need financial assistance.

On the Front Line Society: On the Front Line Society (breast cancer fund) provides short term financial support to Nova Scotian breast cancer patients both women and men, who are in financial need. Note that, On the Front Line Society does not fund research

Cumberland Cancer Assistance Fund: The Cancer Assistance Fund was created to provide support when all other avenues of funding have been explored and/or exhausted for Cumberland County residents fighting cancer.

Income-based Programs| Nova Scotia Power: In support of Nova Scotians living on a low income, the Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund supports with funds for home heating during the cold winter months.

Heating Assistance | Eastward Energy: On this website, you can find information about heating assistance, including home heating programs, water programs, and other programs.

Feed Nova Scotia: Feed Nova Scotia supports 140 member agencies, and addresses food insecurity by supplying emergency food support. To find a food bank near you click here. If there isn’t a food bank in your area call 211 or visit 211 and select ‘Food Support’.

Employment and Income Support: The Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) program helps you when you are not able to support yourself or your family.

• Income Assistance: Income assistance can help you with basic necessities such as food, rent and utilities, and special needs like pharmacare, emergency dental care and other needs.
• Employment Support (ESS): If you are on income assistance, Employment Support Services can help you with information, opportunities and services to build the skills and experience you need for work.

Special Needs Assistance:

• Income Assistance helps with your basic expenses and special needs including: 
  • Employment Support
  • Medical Equipment
  • Medical – Essential Treatments
  • Medical Supplies
  • Over the Counter Non-Prescription Medications
  • Pharmacare/Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription Drug Coverage (Pharmacare): The Department of Community Services provides prescription drug coverage (Pharmacare) to: 

• Employment Support and Income Assistance clients (including Extended Pharmacare and Transitional Pharmacare clients)
• Disability Support Program clients
• Children in the care of the Minister and Child and Family Well Being through a distract office of the Department of Community Services or a Children’s Aid Society/Family and Children’s Services Agency.

For more information on how to use your pharmacare benefits, click here.

Wigs and breast accessory services: The Canadian Cancer Society offers a free wig and breast accessories program for patients who cannot afford the cost of a wig or breast accessory or who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment.

Nova Scotia Breast Prosthesis Program: The Breast Prosthesis Program provides financial support to residents of all ages who are eligible for MSI coverage. This program is available to residents who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy and need a conventional mastectomy prosthesis. The program provides a rebate up to a maximum of $300 per prosthesis once every 2 years. Additional financial assistance is available for residents who earn an income up to $30,000 per year. These patients can receive a payment of up to $450 per prosthesis with a maximum of $750 once every 2 years and a payment of up to a maximum of $75 for the purchase of a supporting bra once every 2 years. For more information, visit this link.

Fuel the Care Irving Oil: This program provides fuel gift cards to families traveling to receive medical care for their child. Families can apply by contacting the social work departments at partner hospitals.