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Health and Wellness Funding
Learn about funding opportunities to help you with medical expenses
Also: Download our funding guide, an easy to navigate and extensive collection of even more funding opportunities:
Fair PharmaCare
Fair PharmaCare helps BC families pay for eligible prescription drugs, some medical supplies and devices, and eligible pharmacy services. PharmaCare is income-based; the less a family earns, the more help they get. For more information on Fair PharmaCare, see our guide.
Other funding opportunities
BC Palliative Care Drug Plan recipients
BC Palliative Care benefits cover palliative care expenses for BC residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home. 'Home' is defined as wherever the person is living, whether in their own home, with family or friends, in a supportive/assisted living residence, or in a hospice unit at a residential care facility.
Eligible patients receive:
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100% coverage of eligible costs for medications used in palliative care through the PharmaCare BC Palliative Care Drug Plan
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Medical supplies and equipment through the local health authority
Physicians or nurse practitioners submit a registration form to PharmaCare for their patients. The single registration form is used to notify both PharmaCare and the health authority of the patient's eligibility for the benefits.
Provides accommodation assistance to enable families to stay together when their child requires medical care at BC Children's Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children
Various options for cancer drug funding in BC
Children in the At Home Program
The At Home Program of the Ministry of Children and Family Development provides community-based, family-style care for severely handicapped children who would otherwise become reliant on institutional care. Children receiving full benefits or medical benefits through the program qualify for 100% coverage of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies.
Cystic Fibrosis Coverage
Individuals with cystic fibrosis who are registered with a provincial cystic fibrosis clinic receive coverage of digestive enzymes and other products listed in the Cystic Fibrosis Formulary. The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic arranges this coverage for their patients. You do not need to apply to PharmaCare for this coverage.
Assists persons in BC with the Fair Pharmacare deductible, as well as with some travel and accommodation costs related to clinic and hospitalization
Disabled persons who have paid for certain medical expenses can claim the disability supports deduction on their tax return
Emergency Food Assets in Northern BC
An inventory of emergency food assets available throughout northern BC. Food hampers and boxes, food delivery services, take-out meals, as well as other supports.
Offers reduced cost transportation options for rural residents who must travel for non-emergency, physician-referred medical care outside their home communities
HELP provides health equipment to individuals dealing with illness or injury
Certain health supplements are available to persons receiving disability assistance
Arranges free flights for patients of all ages who cannot afford to fly to receive required medical care
Interim Federal Health Program
Covers certain pre-departure medical services for refugees coming to Canada for resettlement. This coverage includes assistive devices, medical supplies, and equipment, such as mobility aids, orthopedic and prosthetic equipment, and hearing aids.
A home away from home where children and their families can stay for substantially reduced cost while receiving medical care in Victoria
Medical Transportation Supplements
Medical transportation supplements are provided to specific recipients of income assistance and disability assistance who are eligible for general health supplements or are facing a life-threatening health need. They are intended to meet extraordinary transportation costs associated with essential medical treatment.
PST Exemptions for Medical Equipment
Some medical equipment for persons with disabilities is exempt from provincial sales taxes, though documentation is required in certain cases
Recipients of BC Income Assistance
This plan provides 100% coverage of eligible prescription costs for BC residents receiving benefits and income assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction sends eligibility information to PharmaCare on their clients’ behalf—you do not need to apply to PharmaCare for this coverage.
Special Authority Medical Funding Program
The Special Authority Program covers medications and medical supplies not usually eligible for coverage by PharmaCare
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of BC: Clinic Fund
Financial assistance is available to persons with spina bifida or hydrocephalus to assist with the costs of medical transportation and bowel and bladder supplies
Helps alleviate transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community
A service on Vancouver Island providing low-cost transportation by donation to medical appointments away from home
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