Prescription Prices
Prescription prices are not equal!
Pharmacies may charge different dispensing fees, and drug prices. Here are the results of a survey of 5 pharmacies in one city for the same prescription.
| Store # | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Drug Cost |
$88.07 | $91.13 | $92.49 | $92.19 | $103.38 |
| Dispensing Fee |
$5.98 | $6.48 | $6.98 | $8.49 | $8.99 |
| Total Cost |
$94.05 | $97.61 | $99.47 | $100.68 | $112.37 |
If you are covered by extended health benefits, most of the cost will be paid by your plan, but if you have an annual or a lifetime maximum you may reach those limits much earlier by shopping at the expensive pharmacy.
Provincial drug plans set maximum prices that they will pay for eligible drugs. Any excess charged by a more expensive pharmacy will not be covered.