British Columbia

Yes! The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is covered under the BC PharmaCare program as a “Limited Coverage” benefit. “Limited Coverage” means that people have to meet certain criteria to qualify for coverage. See more on this below.

You may be eligible for coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if you have a prescription for it AND you:

• Are 4 years of age or older living with diabetes mellitus
• Require multiple daily injections of insulin or insulin pump therapy
• Have one of the following symptoms

            ○ Frequent and unpredictable hypoglycemic episodes

            ○ Hypoglycemia unawareness

            ○ Unpredictable swings in blood glucose

            ○ At least one functional restriction that inhibits the use of blood glucose test strips

            ○ An occupation where hypoglycemia presents a significant safety risk 

• The patient/family/caregiver agrees to comprehensive diabetes education by an interdisciplinary diabetes healthcare team and commit to regular follow-up 

Please visit the BC PharmaCare website for more information about eligibility.

Note: Multiple daily injections of insulin is defined as 1 or more injections of basal insulin and 3 or more injections of bolus insulin with a minimum of at least of 4 total insulin injections per day

You are eligible for BC PharmaCare coverage if you are covered under one or more of these plans:

• Fair PharmaCare - Click here to learn more

• Plan B - Plan B does not cover Flash Glucose Monitors. However, residents in Plan B facilities may still receive coverage through their non-Plan B plans (e.g., Fair PharmaCare, Plan C, or Plan W—with Special Authority)

• Plan C (Income Assistance) - Click here to learn more

• Plan F (At Home Program) - Click here to learn more

• Plan W (First Nations Health Benefits) - Click here to learn more

Coverage includes the FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensors and reader. 

Initial coverage is for one year. After the first year, your healthcare provider can request a renewal for 5 years.

First, talk to your healthcare professional to get a prescription. If you qualify for reimbursement under BC PharmaCare, your healthcare provider will submit a Special Authority request to BC PharmaCare on your behalf. Upon approval of your request, your claim for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system will be processed like any other claim at the local pharmacy. 

Coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system varies across different BC PharmaCare plans. For detailed information about cost coverage, deductibles, and co-payments, please visit this link to learn more.

BC PharmaCare is British Columbia’s public health insurance plan that helps provide coverage for certain medications and medical supplies to qualifying BC residents.

To enroll in Fair PharmaCare, you must consent to have your income information transmitted from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) to BC PharmaCare. This ensures your deductible and co-pay amounts are calculated based on your household income.

If you do not register for Fair PharmaCare, the default assumption is that you belong to the highest income bracket. In this case, you would need to pay $10,000 in deductibles and co-pays before PharmaCare coverage begins. 

Plan B does not cover Flash Glucose Monitors, including the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. However, residents in Plan B facilities, such as those in long-term care (LTC), may still have access to coverage through their non-Plan B plans (e.g., Fair PharmaCare, Plan C, or Plan W—with Special Authority).

This is particularly important for individuals in LTC who may have other medications covered under Plan B but require a different plan for glucose monitoring coverage. Learn more about Plan B here.

For more information and to register for Fair PharmaCare, visit the Fair PharmaCare website.

Visit the BC PharmaCare website to learn more..