British Columbia has officially secured an agreement with the federal government to provide free access to diabetes medication and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, set to begin by March 2026. The $670 million agreement, signed by Federal Health Minister Mark Holland and B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne, will benefit residents by covering a variety of medications for diabetes and menopausal symptoms, along with improved access to diabetes devices and supplies.
During the announcement in Victoria on March 6, Holland and Osborne highlighted the significance of the program, with nearly 550,000 people in B.C. living with diabetes—making it the province’s fourth-most common chronic condition. The cost of managing diabetes can be substantial, with Type 1 diabetes medication reaching up to $18,300 annually and Type 2 diabetes medication costing as much as $10,000 a year.
The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding made in September 2024 and is now formally signed. Both ministers emphasized the commitment to the program, with Holland reassuring that despite any potential future changes in government, the agreement would remain honored.
This initiative marks a major step toward reducing the financial burden on individuals affected by diabetes and menopause in B.C.
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