Accessing Treatment
Provincial Public Drug Plans
Every province and territory in Canada has a public drug plan. Eligibility rules vary, but most provinces offer coverage for:
Seniors
People receiving social assistance
Individuals with high drug costs relative to income
Residents without private insurance
Even if you have private insurance, you may still qualify for provincial catastrophic coverage.
| Province | Program Name | Who It Helps | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | PharmaCare | Income-based support for residents | https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents |
| Alberta | Non-Group Coverage | Residents without employer coverage | https://www.alberta.ca/non-group-coverage |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Drug Plan | Income-based & special support programs | https://formulary.drugplan.ehealthsask.ca |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Pharmacare | Income-based deductible program | https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare |
| Ontario | Ontario Drug Benefit & Trillium | Seniors, disability, high drug costs | https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-drug-programs |
| Quebec | RAMQ Prescription Drug Insurance | Mandatory public/private coverage system | https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca |
| New Brunswick | NB Drug Plan | Uninsured residents | https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/DrugPlans/NBDrugPlan.html |
| Nova Scotia | Family Pharmacare | Income-based coverage | https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Pharmacare | Multiple targeted programs | https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/pharmacare |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | NLPDP | Income-based & condition-specific programs | https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/prescription |
Federal Drug Programs
Some Canadians qualify for federal coverage instead of, or in addition to, provincial programs.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
For eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals
Veterans Affairs Canada
For eligible veterans
Canadian Armed Forces Health Services
For active CAF members
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
For refugees and protected persons
Biologic Patient Support Programs
If you are prescribed a biologic for hidradenitis suppurativa, like adalimumab, secukinumab or bimekizumab, you may be eligible for a manufacturer-funded patient support program.
Most biologic medications in Canada have a dedicated support program to help patients navigate coverage and access. These programs can assist with:
Insurance navigation Special authorization paperwork Appeal support if coverage is denied Coordination with your pharmacy Injection training and nurse support Bridge coverage while reimbursement is pending Co-pay assistance (when eligible)
In most cases, enrollment is initiated by your dermatologist or specialist’s office. You usually do not need to find or apply to these programs on your own.
Employer & Private Insurance Coverage
Many Canadians access prescription drug coverage through employer-sponsored or private insurance plans.
Private insurers may:
Require prior authorization
Apply step therapy (“fail first”) rules
Set co-pay percentages
Impose annual or lifetime drug maximums
Self-employed individuals purchasing individual plans should carefully review:
Pre-existing condition clauses
Drug maximum limits
Specialty medication coverage
Been denied coverage?
