Winnipeg 
Manitoba Health Minister, Audrey Gordon, announced that the Manitoba government will freeze the deductible rates for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program in 2023-24.
The provincial government says the move aims to ensure the program remains affordable for Manitobans who depend on it.
The government has chosen to waive any increase to the rates for the benefit year, which commences on April 1st, for the third time in four years.
Each year, program participants pay a portion of the cost of their eligible prescription drugs, known as the pharmacare deductible. This deductible is updated annually using a predetermined formula.
Had the government not implemented the freeze, rates for 2023-24 would have risen by over 6%.
In the previous two years, the government had frozen the deductible rates due to the financial difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic recovery.
The deductible is calculated based on adjusted family income, and families are reminded that their deductible may still change this year if their income has changed.
The government recommends filing taxes annually in time to ensure access to the program.
Pharmacare is designed to provide drug benefits to eligible Manitobans whose income is significantly impacted by high prescription drug costs. The coverage is dependent on the total family income and the amount paid for eligible prescription drugs.
Other changes coming on April 1st include a minimum wage increase in the province and, the permanent elimination of student loan interest.
