On September 12, 2024, the Governments of Canada and of the Province of British Columbia (BC) announced partnering to provide universal access to contraception, diabetes medication, and hormone replacement therapy. The Canada-BC Memorandum of Understanding is the first federal-provincial step taken to advance the goals of the impending Pharmacare Act.
Background
As we reported, in February 2024, the federal government tabled Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare (the Pharmacare Act). The Pharmacare Act sets out the “foundational principles” for the first phase of a national universal drug coverage plan in Canada.
The Pharmacare Act commits to first providing universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medications, to be implemented through bilateral agreements negotiated with the provinces and territories. Health Canada previously shared lists of the specific contraceptive and diabetes medications and supplies to be discussed with the provinces and territories for coverage.
The Pharmacare Act is close to becoming law, as Bill C-64 is currently in the latter stages of the legislative process, under consideration by the Senate.
Covered Drugs and Products in British Columbia
Once Bill C-64 receives Royal Assent, the Governments of Canada and BC intend to enter formal negotiations to implement coverage for select contraceptives and diabetes medications.
As of April 1, 2023, BC already began providing free contraceptives to residents enrolled in its BC Medical Services Plan. BC’s list of covered contraceptives aligns with those in Health Canada’s proposed list of contraceptives to be covered under national pharmacare.
BC also intends to provide universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. The Governments’ Memorandum of Understanding and announcement contemplate, during the negotiation of a Canada-BC pharmacare agreement, the possible “inclusion of additional prescription drugs and related products beyond existing lists of contraceptives and diabetes medications.”
Links:
- News Release, “Governments of Canada and British Columbia partner to improve contraception and diabetes coverage for residents” (September 12, 2024)
- Health Canada, Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia for Universal, Single-Payer, First-Dollar Access to Select Contraception and Diabetes Medications (September 12, 2024)