Medication affordability
There are a number of programs and resources to help you understand the cost of your medication before filling your prescription and how to get cost-effective options.
Helping you afford the medication you need
As the prices for food, housing and other necessities keep increasing, the cost of much-needed prescription medicine may make it impossible for people to obtain without support. If you take multiple or expensive medications, know that there are options available to help you afford your prescriptions.
Talk to your prescriber
- Your care provider wants to ensure you're getting the treatment you need. They may need to learn that you need help in affording your medication. Let them know if you're worried about the cost.
- It's ok to tell them you can't afford your medication. You're not alone. Twenty-three per cent of people in Canada say they can't afford their prescription medications.
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Ask your prescriber about any affordable options. They may be able to offer less expensive prescriptions or know of programs through pharmaceutical companies.
Register for Fair PharmaCare
This B.C. Government program may be able to reduce your prescription costs significantly. Fair PharmaCare is separate from Medical Services Plan (MSP) and you must register for it.
To register, you will need the following:
- Your Personal Health Number (PHN), which you can find on your Care Card or the back of your licence
- Income tax information from two years ago (for example: for 2022, your taxes from 2020)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) for you and, if applicable, your spouse
New to B.C. or have not signed up for MSP
Those new to Canada/B.C. can register for MSP and Fair PharmaCare using a single form. The B.C. application for health and drug coverage allows patients and families to apply for Medical Services Plan (MSP), Fair PharmaCare, and Supplementary Benefits.
First Nations health benefits
You do not need to apply for Plan W. You must be enrolled with First Nations Health Authority to receive coverage. Coverage can include over-the-counter medication, as long as you have prescribers' notes (including pharmacist).
You are eligible for coverage under Plan W if you:
- Have active Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. To enrol in MSP, contact FNHA.
- Are a registered Indian under the Indian Act, or are a child under two years of age who has at least one parent who is a registered Indian under the Indian Act
Resources
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
A step-by-step guide on enrolling in B.C.'s largest drug plan
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Medication affordability brochure
This brochure provides information on how you can get help paying for your medication
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Medication affordability poster
How to register for the B.C. government’s Fair PharmaCare Plan
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Fair PharmaCare calculator
Calculate your deductible (out-of-pocket cost) using your tax information
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Medication affordability brochure
A brochure that explains the resources available to help your patients with the costs of the medication you prescribe
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Medication affordability poster
Help your patients afford the medication you prescribe by making them aware of the B.C. government’s PharmaCare plans
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
Simplified Chinese
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
Traditional Chinese
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
Punjabi
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
Vietnamese
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How to sign up for Fair PharmaCare
Spanish
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