Reasons for Growing Costs

1. People are taking more drugs

Last year, the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) helped pay for close to 4 million prescriptions, up from just over 2.5 million prescriptions five years earlier. NBPDP beneficiaries received an average of 40 prescriptions in 2010-11, compared to 27 prescriptions in 2005-06.

2. Prescription drug costs are increasing

Prescription drugs now account for the 3rd largest area of the province’s health care spend, after hospital services and physicians.

Drug costs in New Brunswick grew by 9.5% last year, up to just over $180 million. Drug costs have doubled since 2000-01 and have increased at an average of 10% per year over the past 10 years.

3. More people are covered by our publicly funded drug programs

Almost 105,000 people are now registered beneficiaries with the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program. Enrollment has increased at an average of 2.8% per year, while drug costs have increased by about 10% per year.