Yukon to implement national pharmacare on April 15
The Yukon territory will implement the first phase of its pharmacare program via the National Pharmacare Act, also known as Bill C64 (Act), on April 15, 2026.
The Yukon joins Manitoba, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, who have already implemented the first phase of their own programs. All signed bilateral pharmacare agreements with the federal government last year.
National pharmacare coverage details
The Government of Canada will provide universal access to contraceptive and most diabetes medications for Yukon residents. This funding will also improve access to diabetes devices and supplies.
Yukon residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost.
Many diabetes medications, such as metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT-2 inhibitors, will be fully covered under the Yukon pharmacare program. Some diabetes medications will only be partially covered.
Effective April 15, 2026, Equitable will no longer cover drugs that are eligible for coverage under Yukon pharmacare.
What will Equitable plan members need to do?
Coverage under the Yukon pharmacare program will be provided automatically at the pharmacy counter.
Equitable group benefits plan members simply need to present a prescription for a covered medication to their pharmacist. The pharmacist will charge the provincial plan directly for the relevant medications.
Where do GLP-1 drugs fit in?
GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as Ozempic, will not be covered under Yukon pharmacare. Equitable plan members who are prescribed this type of drug to treat diabetes must try a first-line diabetic treatment before we can deem them eligible for coverage of the GLP-1 agonist under their Equitable group plan.
Plan members who are already taking a GLP-1 agonist to treat diabetes and have previously received coverage under their Equitable group plan will continue to be eligible for coverage. New plan members or plan members with new prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists must provide us proof that they’ve tried a first-line diabetic treatment to be eligible—unless we already have a previous record of their insulin use. Proof can be either a past receipt or a claim statement.
Our priority is supporting the best outcomes for plan sponsors and their members. We are working with TELUS Health, our pharmacy benefits manager, to keep you updated as more details become available.