British Columbians will be able to get select menopause and diabetes drugs at no cost starting on March 1 as part of a deal struck with the federal government almost a year ago.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said this will help more than 500,000 people living with diabetes and roughly 160,000 with menopausal symptoms.
“People will be able to get the medications that they need to improve their quality of life without having to worry about how much they cost,” Osborne said.
Diabetes medications such as insulin are covered, but those used for weight loss, such as Ozempic, are not. Newly covered medications had previously cost patients up to $18,300 per year.
The federal government provided $670 million for this program. It was announced on March 6, 2025, at which time the province promised to implement it within one year.
Initially, this money was earmarked to cover contraception, but because B.C. already covers this, it struck a deal to extend the coverage to menopause medications.