What programs help pay for medications in British Columbia?
Prescription medications can be costly—and for many living in British Columbia affordability is a serious barrier to care. A 2024 survey by Leger found that nearly one in four Canadians (22 per cent) have split pills, skipped doses, or gone without filling a prescription because of cost. Even more concerning, 1 in 10 people living with chronic conditions reported ending up in the emergency room after their health worsened due to being unable to afford the medications they needed.1
That’s why GreenShield is bringing its Essential Medicines pProgram to B.C. Building on its successful 2023 launch in Ontario, the program is designed to close critical gaps by providing a list of essential medications at no cost to people without private or public coverage.
Alongside this program, B.C. residents can also benefit from a range of provincial supports that help make prescription drugs more affordable. This guide highlights the key programs available in British Columbia—and how to access the right one for you or a loved one.
The role of a drug program
Essential medicines are fundamental to maintaining health and managing both chronic and acute conditions. For those without full private coverage, drug programs can help ease the financial burden of necessary prescriptions, ensuring cost doesn’t become a barrier to care.
In British Columbia, several drug coverage options are available depending on your age, income, medical needs, or specific circumstances. These programs aim to support better health outcomes by making medications more affordable and accessible for those who need them most.
Navigating British Columbia’s public drug programs
Navigating resources takes time, so we’ve compiled a list of public drug programs providing access to prescription medication below. This overview outlines basic eligibility criteria and provides links with further information on public drug programs for which you may be eligible.
PharmaCare: The Foundation of Drug Coverage in BC
BC’s PharmaCare program is available to all BC residents enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It includes several plans tailored to different needs and life situations. Coverage depends on your income, age, health condition, and other eligibility factors.
Fair PharmaCare Plan is BC’s largest plan that helps BC residents pay for prescription drugs and dispensing fees, some pharmacy services and some medical devices and supplies. It’s based on income. Individuals must be enrolled in Medical Services Plan (MSP) to get Fair PharmaCare coverage. A monthly deductible and family maximum applies. Fair PharmaCare is broken down into two types: Regular Assistance and Enhanced Assistance.
Fair PharmaCare - Regular Assistance
A family deductible based on income must be satisfied and accumulates whenever individuals fill a prescription. While satisfying the deductible, PharmaCare pays 70% of eligible costs. Once the family maximum is reached, PharmaCare pays 100% of eligible costs for the remainder of the calendar year.
Fair PharmaCare - Enhanced Assistance
Enhanced Assistance is only available to households with at least one registrant born before 1940. Enhances Assistance is similar to Regular Assistance in that once the family deductible is met, PharmaCare covers 75% of eligible costs until the family maximum is reached, after which it covers 100% of eligible costs for the remainder of the calendar year.
This program provides coverage of eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies for permanent residents of long-term care facilities registered with a PharmaCare Plan B facility.
The Income Assistance Plan C program provides financial support for low- income or no-income individuals. This plan is based on income, assets, residency, family status, etc., and is open to individuals receiving benefits and income assistance through Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction or who are in the care of or in an agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Services.
The Cystic Fibrosis Plan D provides individuals registered with a provincial cystic fibrosis clinic receive 100% coverage of eligible digestive enzymes included in the Plan D formulary.
Children in the At Home Program (Plan F)
The Children in the At Home Program Plan F provides coverage for prescription drugs and certain medical supplies for children and teens with severe disabilities or complex health-care needs through the At Home Program administered by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Psychiatric Medications (Plan G)
The Psychiatric Medication Plan G covers select psychiatric medications for individuals of any age who demonstrate both clinical and financial need and who have a household income below $42,000, with coverage lasting one year, with the option to renew.
Medication Management (Plan M)
The Medication Management Plan M covers individuals for eligible medication management services provided by pharmacies, such as clinical services, medication reviews, and publicly funded vaccinations.
Palliative Care (Plan P)
The Palliative Care Plan P supports individuals in the end stage of a life-threatening disease by covering medications, equipment, and supplies needed for palliative care.
Smoking Cessation (Plan S)
The Smoking Cessation Plan S covers nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, gum, and lozenges, for individuals enrolled in the Smoking Cessation Program.
First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W)
The First Nations Health Benefits Plan W is funded by First Nations Health Authority and covers eligible prescription drugs, certain over the counter (OTC) medications, and some medical supplies and devices for First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) clients.
British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Plan X)
The British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Plan X provides complete coverage of antiretroviral drugs for people living with HIV through the Drug Treatment Program at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
Assurance Plan (Plan Z)
The Assurance Plan Z covers contraceptives, Mifegymiso, and medications for opioid agonist treatment (OAT), and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) drugs.
Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases (EDRD)
The Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases (EDRD) program covers high-cost drugs used to treat rare diseases, where annual per patient costs range from approximately $100,000 to $300,000.
BC Special Authority Drugs
The BC Special Authority Drugs program allows prescribers to request PharmaCare coverage for certain medications that are not otherwise listed on a standard formulary.
BC Biosimilar Transition Program
The BC Biosimilar Transition Program switches PharmaCare-covered patients from originator biologic drugs to biosimilar versions. The goal is to optimize public resources, improve access to medications, and increase affordability. Patients have a 6-month transition period to discuss their options with their prescriber and switch to the biosimilar if they choose. Learn more about the Biosimilars Initiative program for patients here.
Reference Drug Program (RDP)
The Reference Drug Program (RDP) encourages prescribers to choose less costly, equally effective drugs that PharmaCare fully covers. Drugs are grouped by therapeutic category, with one or more “reference” drugs in each group receiving full coverage; nonreference drugs receive partial coverage based on the reference drug’s price. Prescribers can request Special Authority for full coverage of an alternative medication if a patient cannot take a reference drug for medical reasons. This program helps manage public drug spending and ensures safe, effective treatment options remain accessible to all BC residents.
Low-Cost Alternative Program
The Low-Cost Alternative (LCA) Program groups drugs by active ingredient, strength, and formulation, then sets a maximum price PharmaCare will cover for each group. Generic medications priced at, or below that maximum, are fully covered (subject to the PharmaCare deductible and family maximum), while brand name drugs above the maximum receive partial coverage up to that limit; prescribers can request Special Authority for full coverage of an alternative if a generic medication isn’t suitable.
Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT)
The Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) program pays the full cost of most opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for B.C. residents.
Are you eligible for free prescription drug coverage?
Determining your eligibility for free prescription drug coverage depends on factors such as your income level, age, disability status or participation in other provincial assistance programs. If you qualify, the coverage can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—the cost of essential medications, helping you stay healthy without worrying about out‑of‑pocket expenses.
For a comprehensive look at health programs offered in BC, please visit the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) – province‑wide specialized health services through its services and programs.
