What BC PharmaCare covers

Last updated: May 31, 2023

On this page: What BC PharmaCare covers | What BC PharmaCare does not cover

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Pharmacies charge different amounts for drugs and services. You may want to compare prices and services.

PharmCare covers:

Most drugs prescribed by a physician, dentist, midwife, nurse practitioner, optometrist or podiatrist, licensed and practising in B.C.
Contraceptives - many are free
Diabetes supplies
Ostomy supplies
Prostheses and orthoses
Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation prescription drugs
Medications for medical assistance in dying (MAiD)
Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 in qualifying patients

Treatments for opioid use disorder
Some pharmacy services, such as:
- Pharmacist assessment and prescribing for minor ailments and contraception
- Medication reviews for most B.C. residents taking 5 or more medications
- Prescription renewals or adaptations
- Publicly funded vaccines
Expensive drugs for rare diseases on a case-by-case, last-resort basis, with an approximate annual cost of more than $100,000 per patient

Use the PharmaCare Formulary Search to see which drugs PharmaCare covers. Click on a drug's DIN/PIN/NPN to see the plans it is covered under.

What BC PharmaCare does not cover

Drugs covered by other agencies or facilities, such as those:

Dispensed or administered in hospitals and emergency departments
Used to treat cancer (available through BC Cancer Agency)
For transplants (available through BC Transplant Society)
For kidney dialysis (available through BC Renal Agency)
Vaccines funded by the BC Centre for Disease Control
For anti-retroviral treatment (funded by PharmaCare but provided through BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS)

The following medical supplies and devices:

Drugs:

Purchased from pharmacies not enrolled in the PharmaCare program
Purchased outside B.C. or from companies/pharmacies outside B.C. (except eligible Plan W benefits)
Purchased over the counter, unless eligible under a specific PharmaCare plan
That PharmaCare has decided not to cover (see Drugs Requiring Pre-Approval for exceptions)
For which a manufacturer has not submitted a request for PharmaCare coverage
PharmaCare is currently considering for coverage
Available as part of a private clinical trial
Prescribed by a veterinarian
To treat infertility, diet therapies, or normally used for cosmetic purposes (e.g. hair loss, wrinkle prevention)
Paid for by another payer, such as:
- A private or federal insurer
- WorkSafe BC or ICBC
- Through an award for damages, or settlement agreement

These fees:

Any portion of a dispensing fee above the maximum dispensing fee PharmaCare covers
Dispensing fees above the maximum number of fees PharmaCare covers
Drug costs above the maximum drug price PharmaCare cover

Children in low and moderate income families may be eligible for basic dental and vision care coverage through B.C.'s Healthy Kids Program.