British Columbia
Learn about programs in British Columbia that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications.
View the map of publicly funded programs across Canada that cover smoking cessation medications.
Programs that provide financial coverage of smoking cessation medications in British Columbia
| Program | Eligibility details | Coverage details* |
|---|---|---|
| BC Cancer NRT Pilot Program | People receiving cancer treatment at Prince George Cancer Centre | One week of nicotine patches and gum offered at the point of care, and a referral to the BC Smoking Cessation Program |
| BC Smoking Cessation Program | Residents of BC with active and valid Medical Services Plan coverage (provincial health insurance) can receive free NRT.
For bupropion or varenicline coverage of up to 100%, residents must be registered with Fair PharmaCare or PharmaCare Plan B (Residential Care), Plan C (Income Assistance), Plan G (Psychiatric Medications) or Plan W (First Nations Health Benefits) |
12 weeks per year of NRT; or 12 weeks per year of bupropion or varenicline (may be subject to deductible under Fair PharmaCare Plan) |
| First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits program | First Nations enrolled with Medical Services Plan and Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage is supplementary to the BC Smoking Cessation Program | 24 weeks per year of nicotine patches; and 24 weeks per year of nicotine gum, lozenges and/or inhaler |
Health professionals who can prescribe smoking cessation medications in British Columbia
- Pharmacists
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Dentists
*NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) is generally available over the counter as a patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or spray. Bupropion and varenicline are prescription medications. Costs of medications are fully covered unless otherwise specified.