How your Fair Pharmacare coverage is calculated
Last updated: October 12, 2023
PharmaCare calculates your coverage when you first register for Fair PharmaCare and on January 1 of every year.
Income from 2 years ago
PharmaCare uses income information from 2 years ago to calculate your family's Fair PharmaCare coverage. This is because your income tax information from the previous year will usually not yet be available.
So your 2023 coverage is calculated using your 2021 tax return.
You can estimate what your deductible and family maximum will be with our Fair PharmaCare calculator or at Fair PharmaCare assistance levels.
Information from your tax return
PharmaCare uses the net income from your and your spouse's (if applicable) income tax returns. Your net income is the amount on Line 23600 on your tax returns, minus any amount reported on Line 12500 (Registered Disability Savings Plan).
If your spouse has not filed a separate tax return, PharmaCare may include the Married Amount from Line 30300 of your return. They may also refer to the GST credit application on your income tax return to calculate your spouse's income.
- Request a copy of your Notice of Assessment from the CRA
- Get help filing your taxes for free if you have a modest income and simple tax situation
Resources
Estimate your deductible and family maximum:
If your income has gone down by more than 10% in the last two years, you can apply to have your deductible or family maximum lowered:
You may also be eligible to pay your deductible in monthly instalments and get help right away:
