26
The Canadian Travellers’ Report Card
PRESERVATION OF HEALTH COVERAGE FOR FREQUENT TRAVELLERS
A
(2006: A)
To remain eligible for health coverage a resident of Nova Scotia must be physically present in Nova Scotia for 183
days (six months) in any calendar year and make his or her principal and permanent home in Nova Scotia. Resi-
dents may also retain coverage while temporarily absent for up to one year, provided they intend to return perma-
nently to Nova Scotia. You will be entitled to another extended absence after adhering to the 183 day rule for
five consecutive years. If temporarily absent from the province for more than three months (short term absences
under 30 days are not monitored), you should contact the Department of Health advising them of your departure
date from Nova Scotia and the reason for your absence. If eligibility is in question, the Department of Health have
the authority to review total absences (including those under 30 days) and request a residency declaration to be
completed.
Change since last report:
Suggestion that travellers should notify the government of planned absences in excess
of three months.
Recommendations:
Clarify the “suggestion” to notify the government in cases of absences longer than three
months.
ACCESS TO EMERGENCY HEALTH COVERAGE WHEN TRAVELLING
C+
(2006: C+)
Nova Scotia fulflls one of the portability requirements under sub-paragraph 11(1)(b)(ii) of the Canada Health Act
by reimbursing out-of-country emergency in-patient services at a similar per day rate as paid in Nova Scotia. Nova
Scotia reimburses $525 per day for emergency in-patient services outside the province, the same as the rate for
services provided in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia only covers 50 per cent of the cost of any ancillary emergency in-
patient hospital charges such as lab and x-ray. Nova Scotia does not reimburse for emergency out-patient care.
Coverage for emergency physician fees is covered at Nova Scotia rates.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Comply with the Canada Health Act by reimbursing emergency out-patient health services
required by travellers at the same rate as that paid for services within the province. The province should continue
to update these rates over time to match changes in real costs.
ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR USE DURING TRAVEL
B
(2006: B)
Benefciaries of the Seniors Pharmacare Programwho will be temporarily away from Nova Scotia may obtain up to
a 180-day supply of medication at the discretion of their physician and pharmacist. Pharmacare will only cover pre-
scription drugs that have been dispensed at a Nova Scotia pharmacy, except in the event of a medical emergency.
What counts as a “medical emergency” is not defned.
Change since last report:
Clarifcation that the Seniors Pharmacare Program will cover prescription drugs pur-
chased outside of Nova Scotia in the case of a medical emergency.
Recommendations:
Reimburse the cost of medication prescribed by appropriately accredited physicians and dis-
pensed outside Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia