How your Fair Pharmacare coverage is calculated
Last updated on December 15, 2025PharmaCare calculates your coverage when you first register for Fair PharmaCare, and on January 1 of every year.
Income from 2 years ago
Fair PharmaCare coverage is based on your family income from 2 years ago. This is because your income tax information from last year is usually not available yet. So your 2026 coverage is based on your 2024 tax return.
Estimate your deductible and family maximum with the Fair PharmaCare calculator or at Fair PharmaCare assistance levels.
Information from your tax return
PharmaCare uses the net income from Line 23600 of your and your spouse's (if you have one) tax returns, minus any amount 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
Help paying your deductib
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:
Related links
Estimate your deductible and family maximum at Fair PharmaCare assistance levels
Information sheets on Fair PharmaCare and other topics, available in 14 languages.