Psychiatric Medications (Plan G)

The Psychiatric Medications Plan (Plan G) covers 100% of the cost of many psychiatric medications and drugs to treat opioid use disorder when cost is a serious barrier to a person getting treatment. 

Prescribers apply for Plan G coverage on the patient's behalf. Regular Plan G coverage is for 1 year.

Exceptional coverage is available for 6 months for people who are not yet enrolled in MSP. Bridge coverage is for up to 3 months and is available in urgent after-hours circumstances. People with short-term coverage are encouraged to apply for regular coverage. 

For more information, visit Psychiatric Medications (Plan G) — Section 7.7, PharmaCare Policy Manual.

​On this page: How to apply for regular Plan G coverage for a patient | Exceptional coverage | Bridge coverage | Plan G regular and Special Authority benefits | Related links

How to apply for regular Plan G coverage for a patient

A prescriber and a local mental health and substance use centre or Child and Youth Mental Health confirm a person's eligibility.

Regular Plan G coverage is for 1 year at a time. It is renewable. If needed, a prescriber may re-apply at the end of the year.

To apply:

1. Complete the Application for PharmaCare Plan G form (PDF, 896KB) on the patient's behalf
2. Fax to either:

• One of the listed Mental Health and Substance Use Centres (PDF, 96KB),
• One of the listed Child and Youth Mental Health Services Centres (PDF, 102KB), or
• A mental health contact at local health authority

Exceptional Plan G coverage

Plan G exceptional coverage:

• Plan G coverage may be extended to new residents of B.C. who have not yet enrolled in MSP
• Is available for a single 6-month term
•  Is not renewable — the patient should enrol in MSP while they have exceptional coverage and then get regular Plan G coverage in place

To apply:

• Complete section E of the Plan G application form:
  • Prescriber attests patient has enrolled for MSP or knows they must enrol in MSP as soon as possible 
  • Prescriber signs to certify that the patient knows exceptional Plan G coverage is for 6 months, and that they must enrol in MSP and apply for regular (1-year) Plan G coverage for continued coverage

Plan G bridge coverage

Plan G bridge coverage is available in urgent after-hours circumstances. It is provided for up to 3 months. Prescribers should encourage clients to get regular Plan G coverage in place before the 3-month period is up.

Plan G bridge coverage can be applied for by practitioners in:

To apply for bridge coverage:

1. Fill out sections A, B and D of the HLTH 3497 – Application for PharmaCare Plan G (PDF, 896KB).
2. Fax directly to HIBC at 250-405-3896. (Plan G forms are normally sent to a mental health and substance use centre for processing before being sent on to HIBC. The expedited administrative process means Plan G coverage can be activated more quickly).

Note: A practitioner may apply for exceptional coverage and bridge coverage for the same patient at the same time with a single form, sent directly to HIBC.

Plan G regular and Special Authority benefits

Use the PharmaCare Formulary Search to view the most up-to-date Plan G formulary. Click on "Psychiatric Medications" under Select PharmaCare Plan. 

Important: PharmaCare Plan G may not cover all available formulations (e.g., tablet, injection) and strengths (e.g., 5 mg and 10 mg) of a drug. Use the Formulary Search to find out which formulations and strengths are covered and click on the specific DIN/PIN/NPN number to find out what plans the drug is covered under.

Some Plan G drugs are Limited Coverage and require Special Authority approval. They can be viewed on the Special Authority drug list, with "Plan G" indicated next the drug's generic name.

If PharmaCare covers a generic version of a drug, PharmaCare generally covers only part of the cost of the brand product. Some generic versions may not be covered under the Low Cost Alternative Program