Emergency Aid Drug Program for Symptom Control Medications
Information Sheet
October 18, 2006
(Mailing address updated)

The Emergency Aid Drug Program (EADP) for symptom control medications for oncology patients is jointly operated by the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). While the program has been available for some time the process for accessing EADP benefits changed as of November 21, 2005. The program has been restructured to add in use of a database to capture drug utilization data so that the list of EADP benefit drugs can be maintained to augment standard symptom control medication prescribing practices by oncology doctors. As well, security measures have been added to the process.

Please note the following process requirements:

1. LETTER OF NOTIFICATION: Patients approved for EADP benefits will present the pharmacist with a Letter of Notification indicating the terms of the benefit approval. Specifically the letter will indicate the percentage of drug costs to be covered by the EADP as well as the time frame over which the benefits are active for that patient. Please note that it will take a minimum of two working days (Mon-Thurs) to verify and authorize the information after the BCCA receives the application from the CCS.

2. EADP BENEFIT LIST: The list has now been revised and updated. The current EADP Benefit List can be accessed through the BCCA website at
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/RS/CommunitiesOncologyNetwork/eadp.htm.

3. TRANSACTION PROCESS:

a. Each transaction to the EADP requires a telephone authorization (see hours of operation below) from the EADP and each transaction will be assigned a randomly generated authorization code. This includes all prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications listed on the EADP Benefit List, as well as any drugs not on the Benefit List that have been pre-approved by the BCCA.

b. The authorization code is specific to that particular transaction; therefore, each code can be used only once.

c. The transaction authorization is patient specific. Only one patient’s purchases can be used with one transaction authorization number and can include prescription and over-the-counter purchases intended for that patient alone and are applied to the credit card as one transaction.

d. DIN numbers must be provided for all medications purchased through the EADP, including DIN numbers for non-prescription items. Quantities must be included for all items, including non-prescription items. No dispensing fees will be covered by the EADP for non-prescription items.

e. All substantiating receipts (original Pharmacare, credit card transaction, and store cash register receipts) for such purchases must be mailed to the BCCA within 10 calendar days of dispensing the drug(s). The transaction authorization number must accompany the submitted receipts. Additionally, the pharmacist must date and sign the submission and provide his/her BC College of Pharmacists’ license number. The pharmacist’s name must be neatly printed under the signature.

f. The EADP will reimburse pharmacy dispensing fees to the maximum covered by BC Pharmacare. Portions of dispensing fees in excess of the Pharmacare maximum allowable benefit are the patient’s responsibility.

4. VERIFICATION PROCESS: When calling for authorization, store and pharmacist security information will be required. Authorization will be provided to pharmacists only. Stores should be prepared to provide the security information with each telephone request for authorization, even if more than one request is made per day.

5. BILLING PROCESS: Once the transaction has been finalized you will be provided with a credit card number to charge the amount of the transaction. Please ensure that the number is not retained in your files as every transaction will require an authorization code and the credit card number will change from time to time to ensure security. For patients eligible for less than 100% coverage of the total cost, the % coverage will be applied to the dispensing fees as well.

Any transaction submission not meeting all of the above requirements is
subject to reversal at the discretion of the EADP.

EADP Contact Information:

Emergency Aid Drug Program – BC Cancer Agency
600 - 750 West Broadway
The Fairmont Medical Building
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1H1
Tel: (604) 877-6000 or 1-800-663-3333 Ext 2515
(9:30am to 1:00pm Monday – Thursday only)