National Pharmacare in Canada: What It Covers and What's Next
Last reviewed 2026-09-24
Canada doesn't have a single drug plan. Coverage comes from provincial and territorial public plans, private workplace plans, and federal programs. The Pharmacare Act (Bill C-64), passed in October 2024, set out the first phase of national pharmacare: coverage for contraception and diabetes medications, delivered through agreements with each province and territory.
What the first phase covers
- Prescription contraceptives, such as birth control pills, IUDs, implants and emergency contraception.
- Diabetes medications, such as insulin and several other common diabetes drugs.
- A separate fund to help people buy diabetes devices and supplies.
Where it applies
Coverage starts only once the federal government signs a bilateral agreement with a province or territory, and each one rolls out on its own schedule. Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia and Yukon were among the first to sign. Check your provincial plan for current status.
How it fits with your current coverage
- Your provincial plan (for example ODB, Fair PharmaCare, RAMQ) still covers everything else it already covered.
- Private workplace plans continue; national pharmacare is meant to fill gaps, not replace them.
- Drugs outside the first phase are still covered only as they are today.
Frequently asked questions
Is pharmacare in effect everywhere in Canada?
No. It depends on agreements with each province or territory, and rollout dates differ.
Will national pharmacare cover all prescriptions?
Not yet. The first phase covers contraception and diabetes medications only.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not medical or financial advice. Program rules and amounts change — confirm with the official source or your pharmacist.