The Manitoba government announced on Friday, March 31, 2023 that they will be freezing the deductible rates participants pay for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program.

Under the program, participants are responsible to pay a portion of the cost of their eligible prescription drugs. Usually, the deductible rates are updated each year based on a set formula. In 2023-24 the rates were set to increase by six per cent had the government not implemented a freeze.

“Our government recognizes the financial challenges facing many Manitobans,” Gordon said. “That is why, for the third time in four years, we are waiving any increase to the rates for the 2023-24 benefit year, which begins on April 1.”

Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Coverage is based on total family income and the amount paid for eligible prescription drugs.