First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Transition to BC Pharmacare

Author: Bhavesh Patel, C. Chem., Natco Pharma (Canada) Inc.

Beginning October 1, 2017, the FNHA will partner with BC PharmaCare to administer the FNHA PharmCare plan - a fully paid drug benefits plan for FNHA clients. Currently, drug coverage for FNHA clients is administered through Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (“NIHB”) program. The goal of the transition, which will see the benefits plan administered at a local level, is to promote a health care system that is more responsive to the needs of the needs of the First Nations community.

Under the new FNHA PharmaCare plan, to be known as “Plan W”, eligible FNHA clients will receive full drug coverage to be paid by BC PharmaCare as the first-payer. Most FNHA clients who currently receive benefits through Health Canada’s NIHB program will be eligible for coverage of prescribed medications and services under Plan W.

Other benefits of this transition include: 

•         an increased ease of access to benefits and services;

•         a streamlined approvals process that reduces the number of steps needed for the approval of prescription coverage;

•         reduced confusion for clients who often have to navigate both federal and provincial drug coverage plans; and,

•         better outcomes for FNHA clients through a closer working partnership with PharmaCare, pharmacists, and physicians/nurse practitioners.

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For more information please visit the FNHA website.