More care, closer to home

More care, closer to home
Alberta’s government and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association have reached a new agreement to make pharmacy care more convenient, affordable and easier to access.

The new framework includes longer prescription refills for Albertans with stable, chronic conditions, fewer trips to the pharmacy, expanded pharmacist-led care through pilot projects in rural and remote communities, and a funding model that protects access while keeping costs sustainable.

A new compensation model enables pharmacists working in specialized care settings, including continuing care, to offer clinical services that go beyond traditional dispensing, ensuring patients receive the care they need in every setting. Albertans with stable, chronic conditions will be able to receive up to 100 days supply of their medication, reducing repeat trips and unnecessary costs.

“This agreement is about practical results: fewer trips, better access and more care closer to home. Pharmacists are trusted front-line health professionals, and by working with the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, we are making it easier for Albertans to get the care they need, when and where they need it.”Justin Wright, Minister, Primary and Preventative Health Services

The framework outlines how pharmacy services are funded, including the agreement between Alberta Blue Cross and pharmacies, and reinforces the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association role as the representative voice for community pharmacists. 

“As both a pharmacy owner and a practicing pharmacist, I see firsthand the growing demand for care in our communities. This agreement provides important sustainability for pharmacies while ensuring we can continue to deliver high-quality care—from managing chronic conditions to providing timely access to prescriptions and vaccines—for the patients who rely on us every day.” Aileen Jang, President, Alberta Pharmacists’ Association

The three-year agreement includes a three per cent increase to pharmacy compensation in each of the first two years, with rates to be reviewed in the third year based on outcomes. For the first time in over a decade, dispensing fees for prescriptions will rise from $12.15 to $12.35 for prescriptions under 84 days, and from $12.15 to $13.50 for those of 84 days or more.

Beginning this fall, select pharmacies in rural and remote communities will offer expended services, including health screening, point of care testing and acute condition assessments to help Albertans get faster treatment closer to home.

These pilots support efforts to improving access to critical medications, especially in many rural, remote and Indigenous communities where travel delays treatment. Authorized prescribers will be able to keep a limited supply of addiction treatment medications for urgent situations.

The new framework also includes targeted measures to protect taxpayer dollars while maintaining access to care:

• A monthly billing cap of $13,000 for each pharmacist for clinical pharmacy services, effective June 26, 2026.
• Redesigned care plans to include more data collection, improving government’s ability to assess their benefit for Albertans.
• A daily dispense list to limit which drugs are eligible for daily dispensing fees, reduce rising costs and encourage appropriate use.