Dear Snowbirds,
Prior to the Nova Scotia general election held on October 8, 2013, the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) received a written commitment from then Liberal Opposition Leader Stephen McNeil which stated that “…a Liberal government will introduce changes to the legislation to extend the health coverage from six to seven months.” The CSA is pleased to announce that Premier Stephen McNeil has kept his commitment. Effective August 1, 2014, residents of Nova Scotia will be able to spend up to seven months outside of the province, each calendar year, and still retain their Medical Services Insurance (MSI) coverage.
In addition to the health coverage extension, effective August 1, 2014, beneficiaries of the Nova Scotia Family and Senior’s Pharmacare Program will be able to receive up to three 90 day refills to allow for a 270 day supply of medication for vacation purposes. This represents a 90 day increase over the previous 180 day supply maximum. This policy change ensures that residents, who are enrolled in the Senior’s Pharmacare Program, will have an adequate amount of prescription medication for their extended absences.
The CSA would like to thank Premier Stephen McNeil and Minister of Health and Wellness Leo A. Glavine for their responsiveness to our request and for keeping their commitment to the snowbirds of Nova Scotia. We would also like to thank our Nova Scotia members who participated in last year’s effective letter writing and email campaign.
The additional month of coverage will mean that residents of Nova Scotia will now be able to visit friends and family members outside of the province, after returning from their winter vacation, without fear of losing their provincial health coverage. It is important to note that under current U.S. policy, eligible Canadian citizens are generally admitted into the United States for a period of “six months less a day” which is calculated within any twelve month period.
If you have any questions or comments related to the announcement, please contact the CSA office toll-free at 1-800-265-3200 or email us at csastaff@snowbirds.org.
Sincerely,
Bob Slack
President
The Canadian Snowbird Association
The Voice of Travelling Canadians
www.snowbirds.org
