Alberta NDP to cap drug costs for seniors, add more long-term care beds

EDMONTON – The New Democrats say it’s time to give Alberta seniors a break on their prescription drugs.

Leader Brian Mason says a senior would pay no more than $300 a year because the party would cap out-of-pocket drug expenses at $25 a month.

Mason says that would effectively do away with pharmacist dispensing fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to a patient’s drug costs.

He says saving even a few dollars is crucial, given some seniors are living on fixed incomes.

The NDP is also promising to open more long-term care beds paid for by the province if the party is elected Monday.

The money to pay for the changes would come from an increase in oil royalties, along with higher taxes on big corporations and anyone making over $200,000 a year.