BC PharmaCare: Get help paying for medications and medical supplies

People who live in B.C. can get help from BC PharmaCare to pay for:

• Medications prescribed by a physician, pharmacist, dentist, midwife, nurse practitioner, optometrist, podiatrist —  learn more
• Some medical devices and supplies
• Pharmacy services

Pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for contraception, also UTIs, acne, allergies, and other minor ailments. The service is fully covered through BC PharmaCare. Learn more at Pharmacy Services in B.C.

Are you covered?

PharmaCare has a number of plans, including Fair PharmaCare, for B.C. residents covered by MSP:

• Everyone is encouraged to register for the income-based Fair PharmaCare plan. Even if you are covered by another plan. The less your family earns, the more help you get. Register now! Not sure if you're registered or not? Check here.
• As a B.C. resident, you are automatically covered by PharmaCare's Plan Z, which pays the full cost of many contraceptives, opioid use disorder treatment, and a few other medications
• If you are receiving provincial income assistance, you should be automatically covered by Plan C, which pays the full cost of many medications
• If you are enrolled with the First Nation Health Authority, you should be covered by Plan W
• If your prescriber enrolled you in Plan G, prescriptions for medications covered by the plan should be fully paid for. Note: Be sure to get your Plan G coverage renewed before it runs out

Read more about PharmaCare's coverage plans

Coverage at the pharmacy counter

PharmaCare coverage is processed at the pharmacy counter when you get your prescription dispensed. If you or your medication is covered by a 100% coverage plan, such as Plan Z, Plan G, Plan C or Plan W, or you have met your Fair PharmaCare family maximum, you should not pay for your prescription or the dispense. If you or your medication is covered only by Fair PharmaCare, you will pay some or all of the prescription cost and dispense until you meet your family maximum.

Is your prescription covered?

Ask your prescriber to prescribe a medication that is covered.

Search the drug list to see if it is covered (click on the DIN/PIN to learn which plans cover the drug). Learn how to search the drug list at Does PharmaCare cover my medication?

Ask a pharmacist if they can change your prescription to a medication that is covered or has better coverage.

Some drugs on PharmaCare's drug list are covered only with a special request from a prescriber. Learn about Special Authority. 

Note: PharmaCare cannot help with purchases at pharmacies that are not enrolled in PharmaCare. Purchases at these pharmacies won’t count towards your deductible.