Canadians should have access to the medications they need, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. In 2021, over a quarter of British Columbia (BC) residents reported not having sufficient insurance to cover the cost of their prescription drugs. People should not have to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many Canadians are still forced to make this impossible decision.
On September 12, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Adrian Dix, BC’s Minister of Health, confirmed their intention to work together to make essential and preventive medications more accessible and more affordable for residents of BC. Once Bill C-64 receives Royal Assent, both governments intend to enter formal negotiations to implement universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for a range of contraception and diabetes medications as announced by the Government of Canada in February 2024.
As part of this work, BC also intends to provide free treatment of menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As BC began proving free contraceptives to its residents in April 2023, the province intends to provide universal, single payer, first dollar coverage for HRT.
During the development of the bilateral agreement with Canada, BC may wish to discuss inclusion of additional prescription drugs and related products beyond existing lists of contraceptives and diabetes medications. The benefits of federal pharmacare funding will enable the Government of BC to further enhance its leadership in pharmacare programming for its residents.
