Alberta pharmacists secure first fee increase in a decade
New three-year deal raises dispensing fees for the first time since 2016 and includes 3% compensation boost.
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Alberta has signed a new three-year funding agreement with pharmacists that raises dispensing fees for the first time in a decade and increases overall pharmacist compensation.
The maximum dispensing fee for prescriptions of less than 84 days of supply will rise to $12.35 from $12.15, Primary Health Minister Justin Wright announced Wednesday. For prescriptions of more than 84 days, the maximum fee increases to $13.50 from $12.15.
Pharmacist compensation will climb 3 per cent in each of the first two years, with a rate review in the final year based on how successful the deal proves.
The agreement also institutes a new $13,000 monthly cap on how much pharmacists can bill the government for clinical services—including vaccine administration, prescription renewals, and medication reviews for patients with chronic diseases.
Albertans will likely see prescription costs rise slightly under the new arrangement, which takes effect as pharmacies navigate increased operational costs.