More care, closer to home

Alberta's government and the Alberta Pharmacists' Association have reached a new three-year agreement expanding pharmacy services and updating compensation for the first time in more than a decade.

The deal includes longer prescription supplies for patients with stable, chronic conditions, up to 100 days per fill, reducing repeat pharmacy visits and associated costs. A new compensation model allows pharmacists in specialized settings, including continuing care facilities, to provide clinical services beyond traditional dispensing.

Dispensing fees will rise from $12.15 to $12.35 for prescriptions under 84 days, and from $12.15 to $13.50 for those of 84 days or more. Pharmacists will receive a three per cent compensation increase in each of the first two years, with rates reviewed in the third year based on outcomes.

"This agreement is about practical results: fewer trips, better access and more care closer to home," said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. "Pharmacists are trusted front-line health professionals, and by working with the Alberta Pharmacists' Association, we are making it easier for Albertans to get the care they need, when and where they need it."

Beginning this fall, select rural and remote pharmacies will launch pilot projects offering expanded services including health screening, point-of-care testing and acute condition assessments. Authorized prescribers will also be able to maintain a limited supply of addiction treatment medications for urgent situations.

"As both a pharmacy owner and a practicing pharmacist, I see firsthand the growing demand for care in our communities," said Aileen Jang, president of the Alberta Pharmacists' Association. "This agreement provides important sustainability for pharmacies while ensuring we can continue to deliver high-quality care."

New cost controls take effect June 26, 2026, including a monthly billing cap of $13,000 per pharmacist for clinical services and a redesigned care plan requiring additional data collection. A daily dispense list will limit which drugs qualify for daily dispensing fees.

Approximately 1.8 million Albertans accessed clinical pharmacy services in 2025-2026, up 88 per cent since 2018-2019. Alberta has 4,622 community pharmacists and 1,769 community pharmacies, third highest in Canada behind Ontario and Quebec. About 99 per cent of Albertans live within 50 kilometres of a pharmacy.

Source: Government of Alberta