Special Benefit Service beneficiaries fees to go up

Beneficiaries of the Special Benefit Service will have to pay more for certain prescription items dispensed at Private Participating Pharmacies from April 1, 2024, due to rising operational costs. 

The increase in the beneficiary fee for each drug dispensed on the Special Benefit Service will be as followed: from $5 to $7, $7 to $10 and $12 to $14. 

The Special Benefit Service provides drugs and related items listed in the Barbados National Drug formulary free of cost at point of service to people 65 and over, children under 16 and members who receive prescribed formulary drugs for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, asthma and epilepsy. 

The Barbados Drug Service thanks the public for its understanding in this matter as their seek to ensure Barbadians are provided with quality pharmaceuticals. (PR/KNB)