As the days of leisurely sunshine and carefree adventures draw to a close, the time has come to trade in our sun hats for backpacks and embrace the rhythm of the school bells once more. With summer coming to an end, many students have to prepare for the exciting yet busy time of the year. Preparing to go back to school in September, students have to focus on buying and organizing supplies, practicing time management, planning healthy meals, and more!
PC Health
What many students need to focus on is finding an ideal walk-in clinic. The accessibility of walk-in clinics for international students can vary based on the country they are studying in and the specific region or city within that country. However, with PC Health, many students can take advantage of this useful app, as it holds many uses for students, such as the following examples!
- Managing prescriptions
- Booking local pharmacy appointments
- Hosting free nurse chats
- Health programs, helping you make positive changes all while earning PC Optimum points
- Health Profile, allowing you to explore resources to help you reach your goals.
BC PharmaCare
BC PharmaCare is a government program in British Columbia, Canada, that provides coverage for prescription medications to eligible residents. The program aims to make essential prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. It has various plans and coverage options based on factors such as income, age, and medical condition.
Low-income individuals and families might receive full or partial coverage for their medications. The program operates through a combination of public and private coverage, helping residents manage the costs associated with necessary prescription medications. It plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the population by reducing financial barriers to essential treatments.
People who live in BC can get help from BC PharmaCare, covering the following:
Prescription drugs
- Contraceptives – many are free
- Diabetes supplies
- Ostomy supplies
- Prostheses and orthoses
- Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation prescription drugs
- And more!
Some medical devices and supplies
- Insulin pumps and supplies
- Blood glucose test strips (quantity limits apply)
- Continuous glucose monitors
- Needles and syringes
- Insulin
- And more
Pharmacy services covered by PharmaCare
- Assess you for a minor ailment or contraception and, when appropriate, write you a prescription
- Change the dose, regimen, or formulation of your medication
- Substitute your medication for a different but similar medication
- Renew your prescription
- Give injections
- Review your medications
- Dispense a prescription (for people with PharmaCare coverage)
Who is eligible for coverage?
PharmaCare in British Columbia offers assistance to families by covering the costs of numerous prescription drugs, dispensing fees, and certain medical devices and supplies.
All residents of B.C. are eligible for Fair PharmaCare coverage if they:
- Have Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage
- Give PharmaCare permission to check their income with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Temporary coverage starts the same day you register by phone or online, based on the income information you provide. Coverage is for families, not individuals.
A family can be:
- Single person
- Married or common-law couple
- Single person with dependent children
- Couple with dependent children
Sources: PC Health, BC PharmaCare: Get help paying for medications and medical supplies – Province of British Columbia
