PharmaCare 101
Last updated on August 22, 2024
The PharmaCare 101 short videos explain the basics of BC PharmaCare. They were created for students and health professionals, but everyone is welcome to view them. The series was updated in 2024, and each video is 3-5 minutes long. Book a live follow-up Q&A with a PharmaCare pharmacist for a small group, classroom or staff.
You can also view all the PharmaCare 101 videos in a playlist format.
Read the transcript for What PharmaCare covers (PDF, 312KB)
Read the transcript for PharmaCare plans (PDF, 344KB)
Read the transcript for Fair PharmaCare plan (PDF, 272KB)
Read the transcript for PharmaNet and PRIME (PDF, 303KB)
Read the transcript for Pharmacy fees and services (PDF, 488KB)
Read the transcript for Devices and medical supplies (PDF, 240KB)
Read the transcript for Keeping up with PharmaCare News (PDF, 168KB)
Read the transcript for How PharmaCare decides which drugs to cover (PDF, 344KB)
Read the transcript for How to find out which drugs are covered (PDF, 248KB)
Read the transcript for PharmaCare policies (PDF, 224KB)
Read the transcript for Special Authority (PDF, 192 KB)
Test your PharmaCare knowledge
Activities and questions to test your PharmaCare understanding.
1. Find the Fair PharmaCare assistance levels online.
Answer
You can find the assistance levels here: Fair PharmaCare Assistance Levels
2. Determine the family deductible and family maximum for a patient born in 1973 with a family net income of $54,000.
Answer
For a person born in 1973 with a net income of $54,000:
- Fair PharmaCare deductible: $1,600
- Fair PharmaCare family maximum: $2,150
3. After the deductible is reached, what percentage does the patient pay and what percentage does PharmaCare pay?
Answer
After deductible is reached:
- PharmaCare pays 70%
- Patient pays 30%
For the next two activities, use the PharmaCare Formulary Search.
4. Search for hydrochlorothiazide (DIN: 00021474). Using the formulary's search results:
- What plan(s) is it covered under? * Tip: Plan I is Fair PharmaCare. Think "I" for Income.
- Does it require Special Authority (SA)?
- What is the maximum days' supply?
Answer
Covered under Plan F, P, W, C, I and B
- Does not require SA
- Maximum days' supply of 100 days under all plans, except for Plan P which is 35 days
5. For extra practice, try these other drugs: diphenhydramine (DIN: 00757691); rivaroxaban (DIN: 02378604); montelukast (DIN: 02328593)
Answer
Dipehnhydramine:
- Covered under Plan W and P
- Does not require SA
- Maximum days' supply of 35 days
Rivaroxaban:
- Requires SA
- Maximum days' supply of 100 days
Montelukast:
- Non-benefit
6. What are the 7 therapeutic classes in the Reference Drug Program (RDP)?
Answer
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
- H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- statins
7. What is the reference drug for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors?
Answer
Ramipril
8. What are the Special Authority criteria for chloroquine?
Answer
- Treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis for 3 weeks
OR - Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
9. Where can you sign up for email notifications for the PharmaCare newsletter?
Answer
At the bottom of the PharmaCare Newsletter webpage.
10. On the newsletter web page, use the search bar to find "New instructions for PharmaNet PHN searches" or navigate to the August 14, 2020 edition.
True or False: When searching for a patient's PHN, the new system automatically searches for first initials when a full name is entered.
Answer
False. The new software does not automatically search for first initials. If no correct matches are returned when searching with a full name, try again with the first initial.
11. Find the PharmaCare Prosthetic and Orthotic Policy Manual online. Does the maximum reimbursement amount for an ear prosthesis include clinical labour costs?
Answer
Yes, the clinical labour costs are included. The PharmaCare Prosthetic and Orthotic Policy Manual is at www.gov.bc.ca/popolicy
12. Find the PharmaCare web page about PRIME. What is the secure ID you need to enrol in PRIME?
Answer
You will need the BC Services Card app to enrol in PRIME. The PRIME webpage can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/pharmanet/prime
A live follow-up Q&A with a PharmaCare pharmacist is available for classrooms and staff.