National pharmacare in B.C.
Last updated on April 11, 2025On March 6, 2025, the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada signed an agreement for the implementation of national pharmacare in B.C.
Under the agreement, 100 percent coverage for eligible diabetes medications, including for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will begin in B.C. on March 1, 2026.
Expanded coverage for certain diabetes-related devices and supplies will begin on April 1, 2026.
B.C. residents enrolled in MSP will be eligible for national pharmacare coverage. Coverage will be provided automatically at the pharmacy counter through the existing BC PharmaCare program. There is no need to enrol.
Since B.C. already offers universal coverage of contraceptives, the province will put federal funding for contraceptives towards free treatment of menopausal symptoms with HRT.
Your BC PharmaCare coverage
If you have medications covered by BC PharmaCare, they will still be covered, but some of them may be covered 100% if they fall under national pharmacare. Certain medications under national pharmacare may no longer require Special Authority for coverage.
Difference between BC PharmaCare and national pharmacare
National pharmacare is funded by the federal government and will be implemented by the B.C. government in B.C.
BC PharmaCare is a provincial program. Created in 1974, BC PharmaCare covers many pharmacy services, medications, medical devices and supplies, including many diabetes medications and supplies. Some medications and pharmacy services are free (first-dollar coverage) for all B.C. residents. Some coverage is based on income.
All B.C. residents are encouraged to register for Fair PharmaCare. It takes minutes to register, and coverage is for life!
Learn about BC PharmaCare plans and register for Fair PharmaCare now.
Contraceptives coverage in B.C.
April 1, 2023: the province began providing free contraceptives to all residents. In 2023 alone, approximately 188,000 people received free prescription contraception, as well as about 37,000 emergency contraceptives through this nation-leading program. Free prescription contraception has a net-positive impact on the most vulnerable people, reduces gender inequality and improves health outcomes for parents and children. Read more about free contraceptives in B.C.
Stay tuned!
The Ministry of Health is committed to improving its programs and the health outcomes for B.C. residents. Implementing B.C.’s national pharmacare program will take some time. Watch this page for updates and national pharmacare coverage in B.C. A web page for health professionals will be created as needed.