National Pharmacare (Plan NP)
Last updated on February 6, 2026
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Overview
Starting March 1, 2026, the National Pharmacare Plan (Plan NP) will provide 100% coverage of select diabetes medications, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and contraceptives for any B.C. resident enrolled in MSP. The federal government contributes funding for national pharmacare.
With the launch of Plan NP, the pricing of insulin as a PharmaCare benefit will be regulated under the Drug Price Regulation and subject to the Maximum Pricing Policy, and subject to the Full Payment Policy through an amendment to the Provider Regulation.
Some benefits will be partially covered, subject to Low Cost Alternative (LCA) pricing. The public is being encouraged to ask their pharmacist or prescriber to adapt to or prescribe fully covered benefits.
Expanded coverage for certain diabetes-related devices and supplies will begin on April 1, 2026.
Full Payment Policy
PharmaCare's Full Payment Policy applies to Plan NP benefits with 100% coverage. This means pharmacies cannot charge a client for the medication or any service associated with the dispense.
Special Authority
Several Plan NP diabetes benefits will continue to require Special Authority (SA). Once SA is approved, these benefits will have 100% coverage, unless LCA pricing applies.
No MHTs or contraceptives will require SA.
Benefit lists with DINs
Health providers can review the MHT and diabetes DINs that will be covered under Plan NP at:
The same contraceptives now covered under Plan Z will be covered under Plan NP.
Eligibility
All B.C. residents enrolled in MSP will be eligible for Plan NP coverage. Plan NP coverage will be provided at the pharmacy and processed in PharmaNet, as with all BC PharmaCare plans.
Clients in the MSP wait period
Plan NP coverage will be available for clients not yet fully enrolled in MSP. To secure coverage for these clients, pharmacists will submit a form to HIBC. This form will be available here March 1. (This information was updated on February 5, 2026.)
