The change has been made as part of a new PharmaCare plan rolled out in the province
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in BC has announced that drug benefits services for First Nations in the province will be moved from a federal program to a new provincial plan formulated specifically for them.
“Previously, First Nations in BC received drug benefits from Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program,” the group said in a statement. “In March 2017, the Province of BC enacted a regulation change, removing barriers for First Nations to join PharmaCare.”
In October 2013, the FNHA took over the services, programs, and responsibilities that had previously been handled by Health Canada. That included the NIHB program, which has since been delivered as First Nations Health benefits.
Now, after four years, PharmaCare Plan W (Wellness) has been rolled out specifically for First Nations in the province. A 100% paid plan, it will be used as the first payer for FNHA clients at the pharmacy counter. It requires no income testing and involves no deductible.
"The best health outcomes for Indigenous peoples are achieved when they design and develop health programs that meet their unique needs,” said BC Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “I congratulate the FNHA on bringing health care decisions closer to home for First Nations in BC.”
The FNHA has approximately 143,000 clients, all of whom have been automatically enrolled with Plan W. As before, they will only need to present a BC services card and a status card to claim benefits at pharmacies.
With the change, BC First Nations will also be transitioned into the PharmaCare drug formulary, which means a few beneficiaries will see changes related to specific drugs. “However, FNHA and the Ministry of Health will ensure all patients continue to receive the medications they need,” the group said, encouraging its clients to consult their prescriber and pharmacist about any changes.
The group also advised First Nation clients with plans to travel out-of-province to fill their prescriptions beforehand, as PharmaCare cannot cover prescriptions outside BC. However, clients who buy medications outside BC may apply for a claims reimbursement.
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“Previously, First Nations in BC received drug benefits from Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program,” the group said in a statement. “In March 2017, the Province of BC enacted a regulation change, removing barriers for First Nations to join PharmaCare.”
In October 2013, the FNHA took over the services, programs, and responsibilities that had previously been handled by Health Canada. That included the NIHB program, which has since been delivered as First Nations Health benefits.
Now, after four years, PharmaCare Plan W (Wellness) has been rolled out specifically for First Nations in the province. A 100% paid plan, it will be used as the first payer for FNHA clients at the pharmacy counter. It requires no income testing and involves no deductible.
"The best health outcomes for Indigenous peoples are achieved when they design and develop health programs that meet their unique needs,” said BC Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “I congratulate the FNHA on bringing health care decisions closer to home for First Nations in BC.”
The FNHA has approximately 143,000 clients, all of whom have been automatically enrolled with Plan W. As before, they will only need to present a BC services card and a status card to claim benefits at pharmacies.
With the change, BC First Nations will also be transitioned into the PharmaCare drug formulary, which means a few beneficiaries will see changes related to specific drugs. “However, FNHA and the Ministry of Health will ensure all patients continue to receive the medications they need,” the group said, encouraging its clients to consult their prescriber and pharmacist about any changes.
The group also advised First Nation clients with plans to travel out-of-province to fill their prescriptions beforehand, as PharmaCare cannot cover prescriptions outside BC. However, clients who buy medications outside BC may apply for a claims reimbursement.
Related stories:
National pharmacare not the answer to drug affordability: CLHIA head
Poverty tool promises to assist at-risk patients
