Beginning March 1st, the National Pharmacare Plan officially launches in BC to cover the full cost of many diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy.
The drugs and therapy will be covered by the newly implemented BC PharmaCare National Pharmacare Plan (Plan NP).
The Province says that this will help “hundreds of thousands” of people in BC gain access to the medications and therapy they rely on at no cost.
Specifically, around 570,000 British Columbians living with diabetes and approximately 160,000 people with menopausal symptoms will be supported.
“This is a game changer for people who will now be able to access vital medications without worrying about how much they cost,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
“Coverage for menopausal therapy and diabetes medication will increase the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of British Columbians, and this builds on our government’s expansion of PharmaCare, including becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide free prescription birth control.”
Last March the provincial and federal governments penned an agreement for the implementation of a National Pharmacare Plan in BC.
The deal sees the federal government provide up to $670 million in funding over three years for Plan NP.
Under the agreement, those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, those who use eligible contraceptives or require menopausal hormone therapy will receive 100% coverage.
For diabetics, covered medications include insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and gliclazide, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, saxagliptin, linagliptin and pioglitazone.
“Diabetes is an expensive condition to manage, and individuals with diabetes and families often have to pay high out-of-pocket costs to acquire the medication, devices and supplies needed to help reduce the risk of developing serious complications,” said Perry Balascak, a Burnaby resident who lives with Type 1 diabetes.
“I have lived with this disease for 58 years of my life and I know the importance of managing and navigating this disease.”
For menopausal therapy, Plan NP covers some oral, topical and vaginal menopausal hormone therapies.
“Menopausal hormone therapy is an effective treatment to reduce menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life for people experiencing menopause,” said Cheryl Davies, chief operating officer, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.
“We recently marked one year since opening the Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women’s and hear first-hand how this treatment can be transformative.”
The Province already provides free contraceptives, which will continue to be free as BC’s PharmaCare is expanded.
Eligible residents enrolled in the Medical Services Plan simply need to present their prescription and BC Services Card at the pharmacy when picking up their medication for coverage. Registration with the new Plan NP is not required.
