Information for pharmacies

This page links to important PharmaCare information for pharmacies.

Special Authority 

Special Authority coverage may be granted for full coverage of a benefit that is otherwise partially covered or not covered. Learn more at SA overview. Prescribers generally apply for SA coverage, but pharmacists can initiate some requests, as below. Let clients know they can track SA requests online in Health Gateway.

Pharmacists may request SA coverage when:

• Prescribing for MACS
• Recommending OTC medications such as acetaminophen or NRTs
• Adapting a prescription
• Applying for exceptional Plan Z coverage
• Dispensing vancomycin following a hospital stay
• Directly employed by a BC health authority and submitting a request that is part of their health authority collaborative work with prescribers

Pharmacists in B.C. can also assist with requests where they are not the prescriber. They can create a SA draft in eForms for the prescriber to sign and submit. For fax submissions, the SA draft must be reviewed, co-signed and submitted by the prescriber. All correspondence must be between the prescriber's office and PharmaCare (no intermediaries). 

Supporting clients

Please share information about the Fair PharmaCare plan. Put up the poster (PDF, 2.1MB), send clients to gov.bc.ca/ahdc, or give them a copy of the Fair PharmaCare pamphlet.

• Information pamphlets - available in 15 languages: Fair PharmaCare, Special Authority, Contraceptives, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Plan G, Smoking Cessation Program, Blood Glucose Test Strips, Plan P, and more
• Poster: PharmaCare information sheet QR matrix so clients can view the sheets on their mobile phones
• Poster: Fair PharmaCare registration (PDF, 2.1MB)
• States of emergency and evacuation: continuation of care
• Special Authority: let clients know they can track SA requests in Health Gateway