BC PharmaCare for health professionals
Publication date: January 30, 2026
Understand BC PharmaCare, a program that helps B.C. residents pay for prescription drugs, medical devices and supplies, and pharmacy services.
About BC PharmaCare
BC PharmaCare is a public program that helps B.C. residents pay for many prescription drugs, some medical devices and supplies, and pharmacy services.
This page provides key information and resources for health professionals on policy and procedures, PharmaNet, PRIME, covered drugs, legislation, and support.
PharmaCare counts on its providers to practise cultural safety and humility. Read Coming Together for Wellness (PDF, 894KB). Visit Provider Enrolment Guide to become a PharmaCare provider.
On this page: Policy and procedures | PharmaNet and PRIME | Covered drugs | Legislation | Support
Policy and procedures
- PharmaCare Policy Manual
- Prosthetic and Orthotic Policy Manual
- PharmaCare Newsletter - subscribe now for policy updates, drug listings, and more
Health professionals are encouraged to view PharmaCare 101: An introduction for health professionals
Quick Links: Formulary Search | Drug shortages | Special Authority drug list | RDP and LCA data files | All PINs | PharmaCare Forms
Covered drugs
- Use the formulary search to find out which drugs PharmCare covers, under which plans, how much is covered, and if pre-approval is needed (Special Authority). Learn how to use the search tool
- First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W) covers 100% of several over-the-counter drugs and non-drug OTCs
- Visit Drug review to learn how drugs coverage decisions are made and view decision summaries
- Some benefits have specific web pages explaining criteria, claims procedures, listing changes: Contraceptives | Opioid agonist treatment | Paxlovid | Prolastin C | COPD inhalers
Legislation and regulations
- Drug Price Regulation
- Schedule (PDF, 1.0MB): list of drugs section 5(2) (Low Cost Alternative categories pre-April 2013) applies to and Schedule Amendment (PDF, 1.2MB)
Related pages
- Pharmacies - PINs, correct quantities for claims, service fees and how to claim them, payment schedule, PPRSS, MACS, etc.
- Device providers - application forms, reimbursement schedules, device PINs, etc.
- Programs - RDP, LCA, Smoking Cessation, Special Authority, Biosimilars Initiative, etc.
- Plans- an introduction to PharmaCare plans with links to related policy, procedures and drug lists
Support and resources
- Help Desk for health professionals
- Information pamphlets for clients, in 15 languages:
- Help desk for the public: 1-800-663-7100
- BC PharmaCare resources for pharmacy staff (PDF, 54KB)
