Health insurance glossary
National pharmacare
Plain-English definition
National pharmacare is the federal program, under the Pharmacare Act in force since October 10, 2024, that pays for certain medications through agreements with provinces and territories. So far it covers specific contraception and diabetes medications, and only in British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Yukon, the jurisdictions with funding agreements. Elsewhere it does not yet change what you pay.
By the HealthRate editorial desk
How it works
Health Canada lists British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Yukon as the jurisdictions with funding agreements in place (Health Canada).
In those places, the covered products cost nothing at the pharmacy counter, though you may still pay other fees, such as delivery or prescribing fees (Health Canada).
British Columbia's version began on March 1, 2026 and also covers menopausal hormone therapy (Government of British Columbia).
Why it matters
Unless you live in one of the four jurisdictions and take a covered medication, your drug costs are unchanged. Your provincial program or private plan still decides what you pay.
Not to be confused with
Not a national drug plan for every prescription. It covers named contraception and diabetes products where an agreement exists.