How this works
Three short questions order public options in your province. This is not an eligibility decision.
What this tool checks
A medication can be listed, you can be eligible, and you can still pay something at the pharmacy. This tool helps you start. It does not decide coverage or payment.
- Find public drug programs worth checking.
- Check medication listings where supported official data is available.
- Get official links and practical next steps.
If a medication is missing from one official list, coverage may still exist through another program. Confirm with the official source or your pharmacist.
Types of public drug coverage
Public coverage can include provincial or territorial plans, income-tested help, seniors programs, National Pharmacare, Special Authority, and rare-disease options. Each program has its own list and rules.
Provincial and territorial drug plans
When it may matter: You live in a province or territory and need public help paying for prescriptions.
What to do next: Use the medication coverage checker above to see official programs for that place of usual residence.
National Pharmacare
When it may matter: National Pharmacare is one pathway within public drug coverage. It covers specific medication categories, such as diabetes medicines and contraceptives, in participating provinces and territories.
What to do next: Open the dedicated checker for those categories. Use this navigator for other public programs across Canada.
Special Authority and restricted coverage
When it may matter: A drug may be listed but still need extra approval, often called Special Authority or prior authorization, before a public plan will pay.
What to do next: Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if extra approval is needed, then follow the official criteria or form.
Rare-disease drug coverage
When it may matter: Some medicines follow a separate rare-disease process, including Health Canada's common list and provincial or territorial elections.
What to do next: Open the rare-disease checker when that process may apply, then confirm with the official program.
Official sources
Coverage claims trace to named official programs and published formularies. Programs change; confirm with the official source or your pharmacist before relying on a result.
Page reviewed August 30, 2026Source reviewed September 18, 2026
Benefits navigator quiz. See how drug coverage may connect with other federal and provincial benefits. MyEligible sources index