Federal

National Pharmacare Program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The National Pharmacare program provides free coverage for contraceptives and certain diabetes medications in Canada. This new program provides Canadian provinces and territories with provincial drug coverage. There may be some differences depending on your province and territory, this program covers Canadians of all ages, income levels and insurance status. Currently, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon have signed agreements with the federal government for the National Pharmacare Program.

To receive coverage under the National Pharmacare Program you must:

  • be a resident of a province or territory that has an agreement in place with the federal government
  • are eligible for public health insurance in your province or territory, and
  • have a valid prescription and authorization for a covered medication or related product, if needed

Health card

For example:

  • valid health card with no photo, name and address
  • valid health card with photo, name and address
  • MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
  • Valid ambulance/dental services card
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).

There is no formal application. You are automatically included in the National Pharmacare Program if you meet the above eligibility criteria.

Last updated: March 31, 2025