Why is my Fair PharmaCare coverage based on my income from two years ago?
Fair PharmaCare financial assistance is based on the calendar year (January 1st – December 31st). Your financial assistance level is determined at the beginning of each year. Income tax returns can be filed as late as April 30th of each year. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must then process the returns. This means that income information from the most recent tax year is not available in time for PharmaCare to determine your assistance for the following year. However, if your net family income has dropped 10% or more, you can request that your assistance be based on a more recent year. You will need to supply documents supporting the decrease in income and you must apply before the end of the calendar year. Please see the information about Income Reviews included further down on this page.
