Albertans with stable, ongoing prescriptions may now receive as much as a three-month supply at one time under pharmacy and drug-coverage changes that took effect Oct. 1.

The longer dispensing period is expected to reduce the number of pharmacy visits and dispensing fees for people managing chronic conditions.

The change may be particularly useful in rural communities, where residents can face longer travel distances and fewer local pharmacy options.

Patients who need daily or more frequent dispensing will continue to receive it. The province says the arrangement is intended to preserve added pharmacist oversight when it is medically required.

New limits also apply to some compounded topical medications. The government says eligible medications remain available, but patients with affected prescriptions should confirm the quantity, cost and refill schedule with their pharmacy.

A second change establishes government-sponsored drug and supplemental health plans as the payer of last resort.

Albertans who have private, employer, retiree or other available coverage must generally use that plan first. Government coverage can then apply to eligible remaining costs or begin after private coverage is exhausted, including when an annual limit has been reached.

There is no change to the payment order for Albertans who only have government-sponsored drug coverage.

People with more than one plan are required to tell their pharmacy about their available coverage so benefits can be coordinated when a prescription is filled.

The change may shift a larger share of eligible claims to private and employer plans. Benefit providers have been updating their systems and advising plan sponsors about the new order of payment.

Workers who remain actively employed after age 65 also gain new protection. Employer-sponsored drug and supplemental health benefits cannot be ended, reduced or changed solely because the worker has reached that age.

The rule applies to active employees. It does not create a general requirement for employers to continue the same coverage after retirement.

Alberta Blue Cross, which administers provincial plans, says private coverage must now process eligible claims before Coverage for Seniors or Non-Group Coverage pays its portion.

Patients should not stop or change medication because of the new rules. Anyone uncertain about coverage, refill length or a rejected claim should contact the pharmacy and benefit provider to determine which plan must be billed and whether additional information is required.