Free Menopausal Hormone Therapy in BC

Starting March 1, 2026, National Pharmacare (Plan NP) will fully cover many menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) options for all BC residents enrolled in MSP, including those in the wait period. Patients will pay no medication costs or dispensing fees — this means $0 for patients. Special Authority is not required for any MHT products listed under Plan NP.

The introduction of fully covered MHT in BC provides an important opportunity to reduce barriers to treatment across the province. You can support equitable access by prescribing fully covered MHT when clinically appropriate.

See all fully covered MHT options on the dedicated PharmaCare webpage ↗.

Update your knowledge

The menopausal transition can significantly affect quality of life, daily functioning, and long-term health, including bone density, cardiometabolic risk, and mental health. Current evidence supports considering MHT for most symptomatic individuals in perimenopause or menopause who are younger than 60 or within 10 years of their final menstrual period.

At the same time, many physicians received limited information about menopause management in medical school and residency. Others learned about menopause when MHT was discouraged. With advances in women’s health research, much has changed. We encourage you to learn more about the evidence for menopause symptom management and the benefits of MHT. You can help patients make informed choices and improve quality of life during this significant life stage.

CPD resources

• This Changed My Practice articles by Dr. Kerstin Gustafson and Dr. Colleen Dy:
  • Menopause: Don’t sweat it: Part 1 — Symptoms, Feb 26, 2025
  • Menopause: Don’t sweat it: Part 2 — Therapies, Feb 25, 2026
  • Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) — A Refresher, May 2, 2023
• Canadian Women in Medicine: CWIM Perimenopause & Menopause Conference 2026 | virtual & in person, Whistler BC
• SOGC: Pause for Menopause Online Course
• Canadian Menopause Society: Menopause Hub
• North American Menopause Society: Menopause 101 On-demand Course
• BC Provincial Academic Detailing Service: Medications for menopause-associated vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms, until April 30, 2026
• UBC CPD: Recording of Menopause Essentials 2026

Additional Plan NP coverage

• Pharmacist form for exceptional coverage during MSP wait period (no action required by you)
• Diabetes medications: many fully covered under Plan NP, some require SA
• Contraceptives

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