The BC Smoking Cessation Program is open to all British Columbians with a few stipulations that are outlined below. All BC residents with an active MSP card are eligible for one of the following two treatment options:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Every calendar year, eligible B.C. residents can receive a up to 12 weeks of continuous coverage of the following Nicotine Replacement Therapies for free:
- Nicorette® gum (2 mg, 4 mg)
- Nicorette® lozenges (2 mg, 4 mg)
- Nicoderm® patch (7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg)
How to get it:
You now can get free NRT just by visiting your local pharmacy. Both you and the pharmacist must sign a declaration form. You do not need to be registered with Pharamacare and don’t need a prescription from your doctor.
Please talk with your pharmacist or doctor to determine which NRT is best for you. This is especially important if you:
- are pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- have any chronic medical conditions
- were recently in the hospital
- take any regular medications
Eligibility:
All British Columbians are eligible to receive free NRT as long as you satisfy both of the following requirements:
- You smoke or use another tobacco product
- You have a valid Medical Services Plan of BC (BC MSP) card
Prescription Drugs
British Columbians who are enrolled in PharmaCare are eligible for prescription drug coverage. PharmaCare will cover one of two types of drugs:
- Bupropion (brand name Zyban®)
- Varenicline generics (also known as brand name Champix®)
Eligibility:
You can get coverage for 12 weeks of either of these drugs but coverage is based on your income level and Pharmacare Plan. You must be registered in one of the following:
- Residential Care (Plan B) *eligible for full cost of prescription
- B.C. Income Assistance (Plan C) *eligible for full cost of prescription
- Psychiatric Medications (Plan G) *eligible for full cost of prescription
- First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W) *eligible for full cost of prescription
- Fair PharmaCare *may have to pay partial or full costs
How to access the coverage:
Talk with your doctor to get a prescription which can be filled at your local pharmacy. You will be asked to sign a declaration form.
For more information:
For more information about your eligibility, call PharmaCare from Vancouver at 604-683-7151 and from the rest of BC, call toll-free at 1-800-663-7100.
