BC PharmaCare: Get help paying for medications and medical supplies

This page has information for the public about BC PharmaCare.

• What to know
• What is covered
• PharmaCare plans
• Get the best coverage
• Your prescription records

What to know

​PharmaCare is a public program that helps B.C. residents pay for:

• Many prescription drugs 
• Some medical devices and supplies
• Pharmacy services 

 What is covered

PharmaCare coverage is processed at the pharmacy counter when you get your prescription dispensed. You do not have to submit receipts.

• What PharmaCare covers
• Search the drug list - click on the DIN/PIN to learn which plans cover the drug

Special Authority

Some coverage requires a request from a prescriber. If your medication is on the SA drug list, ask your prescriber if they can apply. Requests must be approved before you pay for your prescription. You may still need to pay some of the cost. You can track requests in Health Gateway. 

• Learn more at Drugs that require Special Authority

PharmaCare plans

PharmaCare has several plans, including the Fair PharmaCare plan. You can be covered under several plans at once.

• The Fair PharmaCare plan coverage is based on income. Register now!
• B.C. residents are automatically covered by:
  • National Pharmacare Plan, which pays the full cost of many diabetes medications, menopausal hormonal therapy and contraceptives
  •  Plan Z, which pays the full cost of opioid use disorder treatment, and more
• If you have trouble paying for mental health prescriptions, ask a health professional if they can register you for Plan G 
• Do you want to quit smoking? A pharmacist can sign you up for the Smoking Cessation Program
• If you are enrolled with the First Nations Health Authority, you are covered by Plan W
• Other plans: Long-term Care (Plan B), Cystic Fibrosis (Plan D), Palliative Care (Plan P), Children in the At Home Program (Plan F), and Income Assistance (Plan C)

Learn about PharmaCare plans

PharmaCare Compass

Click on the image for an interactive, online tool, to learn about PharmaCare coverage available to you. You can also download or print the PharmaCare Compass (PDF, 227 KB) for quick reference.

Get the best coverage

• Register for the Fair PharmaCare plan
• Ask your health provider to prescribe medications and devices that are covered by PharmaCare
• Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if they can change your prescription to one that is covered or has better coverage
• Pharmacies charge different amounts for drugs and services. You may want to compare prices and services
• For help paying your Fair PharmaCare deductible:
  • Consider monthly deductible payments and get help with prescription costs right away
  • If your family income has dropped by 10% or more, apply for an income review, which may lower your deductible or family maximum
  • Remember: on January 1, your Fair PharmaCare deductible resets, so you may start paying more for your medication

Your prescription records

Get a record of the prescriptions you have filled at B.C. community pharmacies:

• Download a copy by signing in to Health Gateway
• Order a copy through your pharmacy or the Ministry of Health

Note: PharmaCare cannot help with purchases at pharmacies that are not enrolled in PharmaCare.  Purchases at these pharmacies won’t count towards your deductible.