An explanation of Pharmacare – may need to be updated??
By Suman Kainth
PharmaCare is the province’s public drug insurance program. It provides financial assistance to prescription drug users through special plans and the new FAIR PHARMACARE program.
FAIR PHARMACARE takes effect May 1 and combines the old Universal Plan A and seniors Plan E into one program. The plan is based on a family’s ability to pay. The lower the income, the more the financial assistance the government will provide.
Who is eligible for B.C.’s PharmaCare Program? To be eligible for PharmaCare financial assistance, an individual must:
- Be a resident of British Columbia for at least three months.
- Be registered with the Medical Services Plan of BC.
- Meet the Canadian residency requirement (person has resided in Canada and has been a Canadian citizen or holder of permanent resident status for the last 12 months).
To be eligible for Fair PharmaCare B.C. families must meet the above requirements, plus have filed an income tax return for the relevant taxation year.
How does PharmaCare work?
Each year, British Columbians pay their full prescription drug costs until they reach a level known as their deductible. For seniors, those 65 or older, PharmaCare will pay 75% of eligible prescription drug costs, after their deductible is reached.
Once the family maximum is reached, PharmaCare will cover 100% of eligible drug costs for the year. Those 65 or older receive the following Fair PharmaCare financial assistance:
Net Annual Family Income: Less than $33,000
- Family Deductible: None – Government assists you with your drug cost immediately.
- Portion PharmaCare Pays (once deductible reached): 75% of prescription drug costs.
- Family Maximum (after which 100% of costs are covered): Equal to 1.25% of your net income.
Net Annual Family Income: Between $33,000 and $50,000
- Family Deductible: Equal to 1% of your net income.
- Portion Pharmacare Pays (once deductible reached): 75% of prescription drug costs.
- Family Maximum (after which 100% of costs are covered): Equal to 2% of your net income.
Net Annual Family Income: Over $50,000
- Family Deductible: Equal to 2% of your net income.
- Portion PharmaCare Pays (once deductible reached): 75% of prescription drug costs.
- Family Maximum (after which 100% of costs are covered: Equal to 3% of your net income.
To use the new PharmaCare program, seniors (and BC families) need to register by:
- Phone: 1-800-387-4977
- Website: www.gov.bc.ca
(Note: Plan B (residents of long term facilities) and Palliative Care Drug Plan does not change. Also, prescription drugs provided by the B.C. Cancer Agency, B.C. Renal Agency, and the B.C. Transplant Agency are not funded by PharmaCare and are not affected by these changes.)