Province issues reminder about free birth control policy

After learning that a pharmacy in the province was still charging for prescription birth control recently, the government reminded Manitobans they have been eligible to receive it free for the past 18 months.

The reminder, in a news release last Friday, came after an open letter a Manitoba woman posted on social media thanking the NDP government for providing free birth control but noting Brandon’s Walmart pharmacy tried to charge her for it.

“I showed them the Manitoba government document that lists all covered birth control brands, and they still refused to listen and wanted to charge me,” the woman’s Feb. 23 post said.

“I waited 40 minutes for the pharmacist and pharmacy tech to figure it out,” before going to another pharmacy where she transferred her prescription and had it filled — free — within minutes, posted the woman.

Neither she nor Walmart responded to requests for comment Monday.

Manitobans who believe they have been incorrectly denied coverage should contact the minister of health, seniors and long-term care at 204-945-3731 for assistance, the province said in a news release.

“This initiative helps ensure Manitobans have access to prescription birth control at no cost,” Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said in a prepared statement Monday.

“Access to birth control is basic health care. Our government made prescription birth control free so that cost is never a barrier for women and people who rely on it.”

Pharmacies across Manitoba were notified before the policy took effect Oct. 1, 2024 and are expected to process claims through Pharmacare, so eligible Manitobans are not charged out of pocket, Asagwara said.

“If someone was charged, it may be the result of an oversight or staff not yet being familiar with the process,” the minister said.

“We are working to ensure Manitobans know this coverage exists and that pharmacies are also aware and following the policy.”

Pharmacists should ensure they are familiar with the clinical guidelines and processes available through the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba, the province said, adding individuals with questions or requiring technical support should contact the college directly.