The bottom line.
BC seniors aged 65 and over are automatically enrolled in PharmaCare Plan B, which covers a portion of the cost of eligible prescription drugs after an annual deductible. The government pays 70 percent of eligible drug costs once the deductible is met, and 100 percent once out-of-pocket spending reaches the annual maximum. Most brand-name drugs require a Special Authority application, and not every drug on your list will be covered.
Key takeaways.
BC seniors 65 and over are automatically enrolled in PharmaCare Plan B — no application required.
The 2026 Plan B deductible is approximately $1,050 per family per year, adjusted annually by the Ministry of Health.
Once the deductible is met, PharmaCare pays 70 percent of eligible drug costs. Once the family maximum is reached (approximately $2,500 in 2026), PharmaCare pays 100 percent.
The BC PharmaCare formulary covers over 5,000 drug products, but many newer drugs — including most GLP-1 weight loss medications — require Special Authority approval.
Seniors with low income may qualify for additional premium assistance that reduces or eliminates the deductible entirely.
How PharmaCare Plan B works for BC seniors
Every British Columbian aged 65 or older is automatically enrolled in PharmaCare Plan B when they register with the Medical Services Plan. There is no separate application, no premiums, and no paperwork to start coverage. Your pharmacist looks up your coverage when you present your BC Services Card.
Plan B operates on a deductible-plus-coinsurance model. Each calendar year, your family pays 100 percent of eligible drug costs until the deductible is reached. After that, PharmaCare pays 70 percent and you pay 30 percent. When your family total out-of-pocket spending on eligible drugs reaches the annual maximum, PharmaCare steps in and pays 100 percent for the rest of the year.
For 2026, the Plan B deductible is approximately $1,050 per family and the annual maximum is approximately $2,500.
What drugs are covered under Plan B
PharmaCare maintains a drug benefit list called the BC PharmaCare Formulary, which is updated quarterly. The formulary lists over 5,000 drug products across hundreds of therapeutic categories.
Most generic drugs are covered at the generic price. If you choose a brand-name drug when a generic is available, you pay the difference between the brand price and the generic price in addition to your regular cost-sharing. This is called the reference drug program.
Some drugs require a Special Authority application before PharmaCare will cover them. Common drugs requiring Special Authority for seniors include newer diabetes medications (including Ozempic for type 2 diabetes), biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancer supportive care medications.
Low-income seniors: premium assistance
Seniors with household net income below approximately $33,000 per year may qualify for premium assistance under the Fair PharmaCare program. Premium assistance reduces the deductible on a sliding scale. At the lowest income tier, the deductible drops to zero.
To apply for premium assistance, consent to income verification through the Canada Revenue Agency online at gov.bc.ca/pharmacare or by calling 1-800-663-7100.
What Plan B does not cover
Most weight management medications are not covered under Plan B. This includes Wegovy (semaglutide for obesity), Saxenda (liraglutide for obesity) except in specific circumstances, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) when prescribed for weight management rather than type 2 diabetes.
Over-the-counter drugs are generally not covered even if prescribed. Vitamins and nutritional supplements are not covered except in specific clinical circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PharmaCare deductible for seniors in BC in 2026? The Plan B deductible for 2026 is approximately $1,050 per family per year.
Is Ozempic covered for seniors in BC? Ozempic (semaglutide) is covered under Plan B for type 2 diabetes with a Special Authority application. It is not covered for weight management alone.
How do I apply for premium assistance? Apply online at gov.bc.ca/pharmacare or call Health Insurance BC at 1-800-663-7100.
This article reflects PharmaCare rules as of July 2026. Verify current figures at gov.bc.ca/pharmacare.