Offloading devices covered by BC PharmaCare
Last updated on February 6, 2024On this page: About coverage | Eligibility | Qualifying clinics and orthotists
About coverage
BC PharmaCare provides coverage for foot orthotics and adaptive shoes that help people recover from diabetic foot ulcers. These items are also called offloading devices.
Eligibility
Coverage is available to people who:
- Have been diagnosed with a diabetic foot ulcer
- Have been wearing a total contact cast to treat the ulcer
- Are almost ready to transition from the cast to an offloading device
PharmaCare may help you pay for offloading devices if you’re covered under Fair PharmaCare, Plan B (Long-term Care) or Plan C (BC Income Assistance). The amount of help you get from Fair PharmaCare will depend on whether you’ve met your annual deductible and family maximum.
To qualify for coverage:
- You must be treated for your foot ulcer at an approved B.C. outpatient or ambulatory clinic.
- A nurse or physician from the clinic then has to determine that you will be ready to transition to an offloading device in two weeks or less.
- Next, the clinic has to refer you to a PharmaCare-enrolled orthotic provider (“orthotist”).
- The orthotist can help you apply for PharmaCare coverage for the offloading devices prescribed for you.