Medication Affordability Initiative

Have you ever had a patient tell you that they could not afford their prescription medication?

In British Columbia, most hospitals and community settings do not have standardized processes for identifying and supporting patients who cannot afford their medications. This site has been developed to support healthcare providers and patients to address medication affordability issues, otherwise known as cost-related nonadherence (CRNA). We have developed resources and tools to support patients who face financial barriers to prescription medication, with feedback from experts including physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, and patients.

On this site, you will find:

About

The work to address medication affordability at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) has been led by a small team of care providers who volunteer their time and resources to support patients and providers. For more information, see this page.

Community resources

Fair PharmaCare

Please visit www.gov.bc.ca/fairpharmacareregistration (Google Fair PharmaCare Registration) or call and register over the phone: 604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (elsewhere in BC).

Medical Services Plan

You must be signed up for MSP to get PharmaCare coverage (premiums were eliminated January 2020).

To enroll, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol or for support call 604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (elsewhere in BC).

 Registered but still having medication affordability issues?

Apply for an income review at https://my.gov.bc.ca/fpincome/application/get-started    

Taxes not up to date?

Reach out to free tax clinics in your community by visiting www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program.html    

*You can claim medication costs on your taxes (out-of-pocket costs not covered by PharmaCare)

Need help getting ID?

There is no fee to get a BC Services Card from an ICBC Driver Licencing Office.

  • You need two pieces of ID, but if you don’t have that or you need help, please call 604 683 7151.

Need income assistance?

Call the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction at 1-866-866-0800 or use https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca/  

  • They will help you with your taxes
  • They will help you get ID