Device and supply providers

Last updated on March 3, 2026

This page links to the information most needed by device and supply providers enrolled in PharmaCare.

The Prosthetic and Orthotic Program helps patients achieve or maintain basic functionality. Coverage is subject to PharmaCare plan rules, including deductible and family maximum requirements under Fair PharmaCare.

Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) covers prosthetic, orthotic, mastectomy, and ostomy benefits for First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) clients. These are not currently covered for FNHA clients under PharmaCare Plan W.

On this page:

Preapproval requirements and forms

PharmaCare requires pre-approval for all eligible prostheses and orthoses except:

  • Prosthetic supplies under $400.00
  • Prosthetic and orthotic repairs or adjustments under $400.00
  • Lymphedema arm sleeves and gloves/gauntlets
  • Plagiocephaly helmets for clients who meet the criteria on page 2 of the HLTH 5450 - PharmaCare Orthotic Benefits: Plagiocephaly Helmet (PDF, 529KB) form
  • Regular benefit breast prostheses (unless requesting an exception to policy, such as replacing a breast prosthesis before the two-year limit; in that case, pre-approval is required)

PharmaCare does not cover any non-exempt item unless pre-approval has been granted.

PharmaCare does not cover prostheses if the injury was the fault of a third party and the client received an award or settlement. Read Section 4, P & O Manual - Client Eligibility for details. If such a client is applying for PharmaCare coverage, they must submit HLTH 5467 - PharmaCare Eligibility: Awards and Settlements (PDF, 521KB)

Invoices

PINs, reimbursement, repairs

Girling formula

Resources for your clients

Please always encourage your clients to register for the income-based Fair PharmaCare Plan. Post the Fair PharmaCare Registration poster.

Print information sheets, available in 15 languages: Fair PharmaCareDiabetes supplies, Prosthetics & orthotics, and Special Authority

Direct clients to the web pages for the public: Devices and supplies and Diabetes management

Subscribe to the PharmaCare Newsletter for important policy updates. Providers are required to keep up with policy and procedures changes.