The FNHA joined BC PharmaCare on October 1, 2017. FNHA clients are now part of the provincial drug benefits insurance program.

This transition to PharmaCare is the first step in an overall plan to bring decision-making about health benefits closer to home and into the hands of First Nations. The FNHA PharmaCare plan is a fully paid plan and BC PharmaCare is the first payer for FNHA clients.  

Key benefits for FNHA clients include:

• Increased ease of access to benefits and services.

• A streamlined approvals process that reduces the number of steps needed for prescription approvals.

• Integrating benefits with the Province of BC will reduce confusion for clients who have often had to navigate both federal and provincial services.

• A closer working partnership with PharmaCare, pharmacists, and physicians/nurse practitioners, all of whom have an interest in better outcomes for FNHA clients.

• FNHA is now better positioned to transform benefits to reflect the cultures and perspectives of BC First Nations and incorporate First Nations' models of wellness.

• Over time, stronger relationships will develop with providers to better coordinate benefits and fully integrate the program within a client's circle of care.

Clients are encouraged to bring both their BC Services Card/CareCard and Status Card to the pharmacy to access your drug benefits. Most FNHA clients have been automatically enrolled in PharmaCare Plan W. If you don't have your MSP premiums paid by FNHA, contact our FNHA benefit support representatives at 1.855.550.5454. 

Additional information:

• You can find the full Plan W formulary here. The PharmaCare formulary search tool is a resource to help you check if your drugs are covered by Plan W. To learn how to use the PharmaCare formulary search tool, watch the short video below or read this instructional guide.

• FNHA clients have coverage for over-the-counter items through PharmaCare. Please view this list for over-the-counter items available with Plan W and this list for non-drug over-the-counter products.

• A small number of it ems continue to be covered by NIHB. Please see this list to see which items will be covered by NIHB.

• A small percentage of clients may need to change their medications. View this list of drugs that are impacted. If you have any questions about the medication you're receiving, we recommend speaking with your doctor or other health care provider.

• PharmaCare is a provincial program and cannot pay directly for prescriptions filled outside of BC. If you are travelling outside of BC, make sure you plan ahead to ensure you have enough medication for your trip. If you plan to travel outside of BC, you can usually "top up" your prescription to the maximum days' supply PharmaCare covers. You can use this early top-up option only once every 6 months. If you do need to fill your prescription at an out-of-province pharmacy, you can apply for reimbursement. Please see our page for more details on client reimbursements.