On October 1, 2017 First Nations Health Authority's (FNHA) clients joined a newly created Plan W (Wellness) within the PharmaCare system. Transitional Special Authorities (SAs) through FNHA's Plan W provided coverage for clients, ensuring their therapies continued.

Specific to each drug, some SAs have expiry dates. When an SA expires, prescribers such as doctors and nurse practitioners can reapply for the SA through the regular PharmaCare process. Due to the exceptional nature of the Transitional Special Authority coverage, additional documentation from the prescriber may be required to renew these SAs, including information on patient diagnosis, benefit seen to date, and rationale to continue.

Additionally, prescription drug coverage is updated throughout the year for all British Columbians on a PharmaCare Plan. This April, PharmaCare will make some updates, and we encourage you to talk to your doctor, or nurse practitioner, or pharmacist about the medications that you need.

We are committed to serving our clients. The most effective channel to address concerns and receive information is through the Health Benefits Support Line. Benefit Support Representatives are operating on extended hours from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. We urge our partners, as well as any clients with questions, to call 1.855.550.5454.