BC PharmaCare: Get help paying for medications and medical supplies

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

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

 

What is covered

• What PharmaCare covers
• Search the drug list - click on the DIN/PIN to learn which plans cover the drug
• Special Authority (SA) - some drugs need a prescriber to request coverage. 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

PharmaCare coverage

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

• Register now for the Fair PharmaCare plan
• 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 the PharmaCare plans

Coverage at the pharmacy counter

PharmaCare coverage is processed at the pharmacy counter when you get your prescription dispensed. You do not have to submit receipts. If you or your medication is covered only by Fair PharmaCare, and you have not yet met your deductible or family maximum for the year, you may pay some or all of the prescription cost and dispense.

Get the best coverage

• Register for the Fair PharmaCare plan
• Ask your prescriber to prescribe a medication that is 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

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