Medication Affordability Initiative

Information for patients and families

  • Being in the hospital, getting a test, and visiting your doctor are free, but in Canada prescription drug costs are not covered.
  • Medication affordability issues include cutting your pills, skipping doses, or not paying for food or bills in order to pay for your prescription medication.
  • In BC, the largest public drug coverage plan is Fair PharmaCare. In order to get coverage you have to sign up for this plan.
  • Fair PharmaCare uses a calculator to determine household incomes to calculate deductibles (out of pocket costs)

Resources

Our Resources

Other Resources

Fair PharmaCare

To get more information on Fair PharmaCare: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/who-we-cover/fair-pharmacare-plan

To register for Fair PharmaCare: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/who-we-cover/fair-pharmacare-plan/register-for-fair-pharmacare

Deductible Chart

Shows how much you need to pay out of pocket, based on income: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/income_bands_fair_pcare_regular.pdf

Deductible Calculator

Helps you calculate your deductible (out-of-pocket cost) using your tax information (if available): https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/plani/calculator/calculator-2019.html

Check the home page for a list of community resources.