British Columbia

The BC Cancer Agency  provides information on programs to help with medical costs including:

• Financial help for medications: Patients seeking financial assistance for supportive care medications can contact their closest regional BC Cancer Patient and Family Counselling department.
• Ostomy supplies: PharmaCare covers ostomy supplies for patients who have undergone bladder or bowel surgery that results in a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, requiring an external pouch. For more information, click here. 
• Breast prostheses: Following mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery, PharmaCare covers breast prostheses, lymphedema arm sleeves, glove or gauntlets for lymphedema arm. sleeves. PharmaCare does not cover: 
  • Prostheses that exceed basic functionality.
  • Backup prostheses.
  • Replacement of lost/stolen prostheses or supplies.
  • Products or devices covered by another insurer such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, Veteran Affairs Canada, Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, similar programs from other provinces or jurisdictions, or associated with an award for damages. 
• • Repairs and replacements are only covered if they are not covered by a warranty, if they help attain or maintain basic functionality, extend the useful life of the prosthetic device, and if they are for a device or component of a device that was covered by PharmaCare when it was bought.
  • All repairs and replacements of $400 or more require PharmaCare pre-approval. There are time and quantity limits for repairs and replacements. 
• Tax deductions for medical expenses.
• Veterans & military.
• WorkSafe BC.

BC Pharmacare Formulary: The BC PharmaCare Formulary lists all medications and some diabetes supplies that PharmaCare covers and reviews of the medications that PharmaCare does not cover.

Drug Funding:This page provides information about oncology drug coverage in B.C. The source of funding for cancer mediations in BC depends on whether they are being used to actively treat cancer, or for other purposes like supportive care.

BC Cancer: Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs: Provides a list of medications currently not funded per the BC Cancer Benefit Drug List.

BC Cancer Foundation – Beyond Barriers Patient Relief Fund: The BC Cancer Foundation Beyond Barriers Patient Relief Fund is designed to help patients overcome barriers related to their cancer journey. The fund is broad in its scope to cover things like grocery cards, travel and accommodation vouchers, as well as treatment related costs including medical supplies, nutritional supplements, medications, dental care and others. 

• To address the equitable care gap, a certain amount of the fund  is allocated directly to Indigenous patients who need support navigating the system.

Canadian Cancer Society: Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services – British Columbia: The Canadian Cancer Society offers a travel and accommodation services program to reduce the burden of traveling for treatment/care through financial assistance, air and ground transportation, and accommodations.

Crisis Supplement – Province of British Columbia: A crisis supplement may be available to persons who face unexpected emergency needs with a one-time payment to prevent danger to their physical or mental health.

Angel Flight of British Columbia: A registered non-profit organization with a goal to offer free air transportation to ambulatory cancer patients, including children with non-communicable illness. This service is available for both patients and their parents who need to travel to access cancer clinics and hospitals in Vancouver, Victoria and other approved areas of operation.

Ruby Slipper Fund: The Ruby Slipper Fund’s goal is to provide support to people on the Sunshine Coast who have been affected by cancer. They hold annual charity events to raise funds to support people affected by cancer, including providing emergency funding after initial diagnosis, providing funding for respite care for caregivers, helping with the cost of medications not covered by insurance, and through providing life necessities like food and gas.

BC Hospitality Foundation – Apply For Support: The BC Hospitality Foundation offers support for individuals and families in the face of medical challenges. There are certain eligibility criteria to qualify for funding, including residing in British Columbia, and having been employed in the hospitality/tourism industry for a minimum two years. For a complete list of eligibility criteria, visit the BC Hospitality Foundation Website.

Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC (VFABC) – Agency Details – 211 British Columbia: The Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC provides funds to support member firefighters and their families during emergency situations such as a death in the family, severe illness, and a need to travel for health care. The fund is maintained through membership dues, and claims must be made through the local fire chief.

BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund (CCF):  If you are a residential customer experiencing temporary financial hardship, including loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expense, or a death in the family, and you have fallen behind on your BC Hydro Bill, you may be able to apply for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service. 

Internet for Good: Internet for Good provides thousands of low-income families in British Columbia, Alberta, and some areas of Quebec with the tools and connectivity they need to succeed. Recipients must have children under the age of majority and must be currently receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit.

Food Banks BC: Food Banks BC is the provincial association of food banks. Their membership is comprised of over 100 hunger relief agencies throughout British Columbia. Click here to find your local food bank to access services and resources.

Transportation & Lodging: Assistance with transportation and lodging associated with cancer treatment may be available for patients and their families.

The British Columbia Disability Assistance can help if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance. To be eligible you must: 

• Show that you meet financial eligibility to receive assistance 
• Be 18 years old
• Have a severe physical/mental impairment that is expected to continue for more than 2 years
• Be significantly restricted in your ability to perform daily living activities
• Require assistance with daily living activities.

You must also meet certain income and asset criteria. If you have a disability and get disability assistance, you can still work and earn money. The money you earn, up to a certain amount, does not change the amount on your monthly payment as long as you don’t exceed the annual limit. 

For more information, including the application process, click here.

Income assistance: If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance. This can help support your transition to employment. For more information click here. 

Childhood Cancer Family Support: CCFS is an organization that assists families throughout British Columbia. CCFS provides financial support to families to meet expenses due to a loss of income or to help with travel costs and medication.

Balding for Dollars: Balding for Dollars provides temporary accommodations, gas cards, parking passes, grocery gift cards, and meal vouchers. For families staying at the hospital, they offer laundry facilities and assist with medical supplies not covered by insurance. 

Friends of Children: Friends of Children (FOC) is a registered charity assisting families located in Northern BC and East Kootenay with children in medical need. The FOC assists with financial support for travel, meals and accomodation involving children’s medical needs. For more information, click here.

South Okanagan Children’s Charity: The Sunshine Fund helps financially disadvantaged families with medical expenses and travel subsidies for children that require the services of BC Children’s Hospital.

West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation: West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation provides nourishing meals to families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders at the hospital and at home at no cost.