How to Save on Prescription Drugs in New Brunswick (2026)

Prescription Drug Costs in New Brunswick

New Brunswick offers several government-sponsored drug plans, but the province has a higher rate of uninsured residents than many other parts of Canada. If you live in New Brunswick and pay out of pocket for medications, understanding your options could save you significant money.

New Brunswick Drug Plans

The province operates multiple drug benefit plans under the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP):

• Plan A (Nursing Home): Full coverage for residents of licensed nursing homes
• Plan B (Social Development Clients): Full coverage for recipients of social assistance
• Plan C (Medicare for Seniors): Available to NB residents aged 65+ who are not covered by federal programs. Requires a premium of approximately $107.70/month (single) with a $5 co-pay per prescription for formulary drugs
• Plan D (Children's Prescription Drug Plan): Free coverage for uninsured children under 18 in families earning under specific thresholds
• Plan E (Cystic Fibrosis): Covers CF-related medications
• Plan F (Multiple Sclerosis): Covers MS disease-modifying therapies
• Plan G (Growth Hormone): Covers growth hormone therapy for eligible children
• Plan T (Organ Transplant): Covers immunosuppressant drugs post-transplant

Plan C: Seniors Drug Coverage

Plan C is the most widely used NBPDP plan. Key details for seniors:

Important: The premium is income-tested. Lower-income seniors may qualify for a reduced or waived premium.

Dispensing Fees in New Brunswick

New Brunswick does not strictly cap dispensing fees, but the NBPDP recognizes a maximum dispensing fee of approximately $11.30 for claims under its plans. Cash-pay fees vary:

Sample Price Comparison: New Brunswick Pharmacies

For a 90-day supply of common generics:

Practical Tips for New Brunswick Residents

Check eligibility for Plan D if you have uninsured children. This program is free and covers essential medications for children in lower-income families.

Seniors should compare Plan C premiums against out-of-pocket costs. If you take multiple medications, the $107.70/month premium with $5 co-pays is almost certainly cheaper than paying cash.

Use TransparentMedz to compare prices across NB pharmacies. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive option can exceed $15 per prescription.

Ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives. New Brunswick's formulary favors generic drugs, and switching can cut costs by 50% or more.

Request 90-day supplies where possible. This is especially important if your nearest low-cost pharmacy is not close by.

Look into Plan E, F, G, or T if you have a qualifying condition. These disease-specific plans can eliminate out-of-pocket costs for expensive specialty medications.

Bilingual Considerations

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. All NBPDP application forms and services are available in both English and French. If you are more comfortable in French, request French-language materials from Service New Brunswick or call the bilingual helpline at 1-800-332-3692.

New Brunswick's patchwork of drug plans can be confusing, but there is likely a program that applies to your situation. Start by checking your eligibility, then use TransparentMedz to find the best pharmacy price for whatever costs remain.