Drug coverage
Formulary
The official list of prescription drugs a public or private plan will consider covering, often with conditions on each drug.
A drug can be approved in Canada but still not listed on your plan's formulary.
Where you may see this
Provincial pharmacare websites, insurer drug search tools, and pharmacy billing screens.
Commonly confused with
Health Canada approval, approval to sell a drug is not the same as plan coverage.
The exact definition and rules can differ by program. Check the official rules for the benefit you are applying for.
Related terms
Drug coverage
Assistance-linked drug coverage
Prescription coverage provided automatically when you receive social assistance or some disability programs.
View termDrug coverage
Copayment
Your fixed share of a prescription cost at the pharmacy after the plan pays its portion.
View termDrug coverage
Cost sharing (drug plans)
The combination of deductibles, copayments, and premiums you pay while the plan pays the rest.
View termDrug coverage
Pharmacare deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket for eligible drugs each year before a public plan starts paying its share.
View termDrug coverage
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
An eight-digit number Health Canada assigns to each drug product sold in Canada, used to identify exact brands and strengths.
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