Low-income families struggling to afford prescription medications will soon have their PharmaCare deductibles eliminated.
Health Minister Adrian Dix announced Friday a $105 million dollar investment over the next three years that will see families with net annual incomes between $15,000 and $30,000. having no deductible starting Jan. 1, 2019.
“This is a crucial step forward in improving the health and lives of thousands of British Columbians,” he said in media release.
“We know that in families earning under $30,000 in net income, needed prescriptions go unfilled too often because PharmaCare deductibles are too high. The step we’re taking today is a significant one, as deductibles have not been changed in 15 years.”
Co-payments will also be eliminated for families with a family member aged 79 years and older with net incomes below $13,750 and lowered for all families with net incomes under $45,000.