Eligibility
PharmaCare is a provincial program providing financial assistance for the costs of medical supplies and prescriptions. Many residents of BC are eligible for assistance under Fair PharmaCare, based on their net income. Some individuals may qualify for further assistance under special categories, such as income assistance or palliative care.

Rates
Fair PharmaCare benefits are determined based on net annual family income, as determined by your income tax returns. You initially apply for coverage, which then gives PharmaCare access to your future tax returns to determine future deductibles and coverage.

You can determine your deductible, co-pay and family maximum using the Fair PharmaCare calculator.

If you are required to pay a deductible, you can sign up for the Monthly Deductible Payment Option. This program allows you to set up a monthly payment of a portion of your deductible. Once entered in to this program, Pharmacare assistance with eligible prescription costs begins immediately.

Coverage
Pharmacare covers:

• Eligible drugs prescribed by your physician, surgeon, dentist, midwife, nurse practitioner or podiatrist.
• Insulin, needles, and syringes for people with diabetes. Certain ostomy supplies (see below for more details).

There are many services and products not covered by PharmaCare. They include:

• Medications that have not been designated as approved PharmaCare benefits.
• Herbal medicine products, antacids, laxatives, and other over-the-counter drugs.
• Bandages, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other medical devices.
• Drug costs which have been fully reimbursed by another insurer.
• Drugs or supplies obtained while outside of British Columbia or by mail-order.

NOTE: Fair Pharmacare does NOT apply to drugs provided through the BC Cancer Agency, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the BC Renal Agency or the BC Transplant Society.

Cost of Prescriptions
PharmaCare determines coverage based on Drug Cost and Dispensing Fees