Premiums and co-payments

Premiums and maximum co-payments for the New Brunswick Drug Plan are based on annual family or household income, as indicated by a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax return for the previous year. 

All plan members must pay a 30% co-payment up to a maximum amount per prescription. 

To update personal or payment information, members must complete the Information Changes – Personal, Income or Payment Form (PDF 628 KB) and submit it by mail or fax to:  

New Brunswick Drug Plan 
PO Box 690
Moncton, NB
E1C 8M7
Fax: 1-888-455-8322

Premiums and co-payments are based on family income.

Income means the total income as declared on line 15000 of the Income Tax Return, minus any elected split-pension amount on line 11600 (if applicable). The CRA determines which sources of income must be included in the amount reported on line 15000.

If an applicant or their spouse does not file a tax return or consent to verify income is not received, the maximum annual premium will be charged. It is important to file a tax return each year so that the premium corresponds with the family income.

New Brunswick Drug Plan premiums and co-payments are considered eligible medical expenses that can be claimed on an income tax return. Premium statements for the previous year will be mailed by the New Brunswick Drug Plan before the end of February.

For further information, contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-959-8281.

If premium payments are not received in full each month, coverage will be suspended or cancelled, and prescription drug claims will not be paid. 

If coverage is suspended, an official notice of suspension will be sent in the mail. Suspended members will have 30 days from the suspension date to pay the amount owing in full. Drug claims will not be paid while coverage is suspended. If after 30 days payment has not been received, coverage will be cancelled.  Members and their spouse will be responsible to pay any amount owing. 

To re-enroll in the New Brunswick Drug Plan at a future date, a reinstatement fee and a waiting period could apply, and all outstanding amounts owing must be paid in full. 

Overdue premiums can be paid using one of the following methods: 

    1. Sending a cheque or money order to:  
        New Brunswick Drug Plan 
        PO Box 690 
        Moncton, NB   
        E1C 8M7

The New Brunswick Drug Plan ID Number must be included with the payment.  

    2. By online payment following these instructions: 
        a. access the financial institution’s online banking website 
        b. navigate to the Pay a Bill section 
        c. select Medavie Blue Cross – Individual as the payee 
        d. enter the 9-digit Identification number (located on the drug plan card) in the Account             number field 
        e. submit the payment by following the financial institution’s instructions 

For assistance with online banking, contact the financial institution. 

A reassessment of premiums and maximum co-payments will occur annually based on family income, as indicated on the CRA tax return for the previous year. However, a reassessment of premiums can be requested at any time, except during the annual reassessment period from August 1 to October 31. 

The New Brunswick Drug Plan does not refund or charge members for differences between monthly premiums before or after unscheduled reassessments. 

The New Brunswick Drug Plan is reviewed annually to determine if adjustments to the premiums, co-payments or income levels are required to account for factors such as prescription drug costs and inflation. This annual review and adjustments help keep the Plan affordable for members while safeguarding its long-term sustainability. Any changes are effective November 1.