CANADA Nova Scotia Work Comp Board Helps Injured Workers with RXs Costs

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is making it easier for injured workers to fill prescriptions as they recover from workplace injury or illness.

Through a partnership with Medavie Blue Cross, the WCB now has PayDirect allowing approved, prescription medications, including over-the-counter drugs (workers must have a prescription) to be directly billed at the point of sale. The system was launched for all injured workers November 2, 2009. The service improvement is significant as it eliminates the need for workers to pay up front for medication and wait to receive reimbursement from the WCB.

Susan Radford, WCB’s director, Health and Extended Benefits said programs like this are an indication to those we serve and the public that we’re committed to ongoing improvements to our service. This service will make dealing with the impact of a workplace injury or illness just a little easier. (workersxzcompxzkit)

By using PayDirect, drug costs are covered directly at the point of sale in any Nova Scotia pharmacy. Information is available at pharmacies across the province and on the WCB Web site or at 1-800-870-3331

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: [email protected] or 860-553-6604.

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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker about workers’ comp issues.