British Columbia on Thursday became the first Canadian province to sign a drug insurance agreement with the federal government that will help fund hormone replacement therapy and diabetes-related expenses.
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland says B.C.’s share of the $1.5 billion national plan is estimated at $195 million. Under the memorandum of understanding, funding could begin as early as April, once the legislation clears the Senate.
The coverage was supposed to cover contraceptives and diabetes medications and supplies, but B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix points out that oral contraceptives are already covered under a provincial program, so that portion will be used to cover hormone therapy for women.
Dix said about 150,000 British Columbians take diabetes medication and hormone replacement therapy coverage will benefit 40,000 women.
Mr. Holland wants to sign agreements with the provinces and territories setting out the framework for the drug plan while the Senate is still considering the bill, so that drugs can be administered as quickly as possible once it becomes law.
In April 2023, British Columbia became the first Canadian province to offer oral contraceptives free of charge.