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Shared Dispensing Fee / Fee Limit

The shared dispensing fee, or fee limit, refers to the portion of a pharmacy’s dispensing charge that your insurance plan will cover. Pharmacies add this professional fee each time a prescription is filled to cover handling, verification, and counselling.

Plans may cap reimbursement at a fixed amount, such as $8 per prescription. If the pharmacy’s fee exceeds this cap, you pay the difference. This structure encourages cost-conscious choices among pharmacies.

Example:

If your pharmacy charges a $12 dispensing fee and your plan covers up to $8, you pay the remaining $4.

What to Watch For:

Compare dispensing fees among pharmacies. Some insurers partner with networks that charge lower standard fees to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Related Terms

Smoking-Cessation Drugs

Smoking-cessation drugs are prescription medications designed to help individuals quit smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Examples include bupropion and varenicline. These medications are considered lifestyle-related but medically supported treatments.

Dispensing Fee

A dispensing fee is the professional service charge that a pharmacy adds to the cost of a prescription drug when it is filled. This fee covers the pharmacist’s time, expertise, and services such as verifying the prescription, reviewing potential drug interactions, preparing the medication, and providing counselling on proper use. Each pharmacy sets its own dispensing fee, which can vary based on location, prescription type, and the pharmacy’s policies.

Coverage / Benefit

Coverage, sometimes referred to as a benefit, is the range of health or dental services, supplies, or treatments that your insurance plan agrees to pay for under its terms and conditions. Each benefit represents a category of care, such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or paramedical treatments.

Pay-Direct card / Drug card

A pay-direct card, also known as a drug card, is a plastic or digital card issued by your health insurance provider that allows pharmacies to bill your insurer directly for eligible prescription drugs. Instead of paying the full cost upfront and submitting a claim later, you pay only your portion - such as a deductible or coinsurance - at the point of sale.

Benefit

A benefit is the specific financial protection or coverage provided under an insurance policy. In health and dental insurance, a benefit refers to the payment or reimbursement made by the insurer for eligible medical, dental, or wellness expenses. Each benefit category - such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or physiotherapy - outlines what is covered, how much the insurer will pay, and any applicable limits or conditions.

Relevant Plans

Plans that relate to Shared Dispensing Fee / Fee Limit

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Basic

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Basic

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced+

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced+

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Premium

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Premium

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Have questions about your insurance coverage?

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