Alberta

Learn about programs in Alberta that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications.

View the map of publicly funded programs across Canada that cover smoking cessation medications.

Programs that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications in Alberta

Program Eligibility details Coverage details*
QuitCore Current resident of Alberta enrolled in a QuitCore group smoking cessation program and does not have any other federal, provincial, or employer coverage for smoking cessation medications Up to $500 of NRT, bupropion or varenicline once per year
Alberta Government Benefit Programs (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped; Income Support; Alberta Adult Health Benefit; Coverage for Seniors Program; Palliative Coverage Program) Enrolled in one of the programs 12 weeks per year of bupropion and varenicline in conjunction with smoking cessation counselling (special authorization for 24 weeks per year for varenicline in conjunction with counselling); and up to $500 of NRT once per lifetime (Seniors Health Benefits and Palliative Care Health Benefits are not covered for NRT)  
Non-Group Coverage A recipient of the coverage 12 weeks per year of bupropion and varenicline in conjunction with smoking cessation counselling (special authorization for 24 weeks per year for varenicline in conjunction with counselling); co-pay up to $25

Health professionals who can prescribe smoking cessation medications in Alberta

  • Pharmacists
  • Physicians
  • Nurse practitioners

*NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) is generally available over the counter as a patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or spray. Bupropion and varenicline are prescription medications. Costs of medications are fully covered unless otherwise specified.

Inside this report