Effective April 15, 2025, the new Manitoba Enhanced Pharmacare Program (MEPP) is providing no cost coverage (100% covered with no deductible) for most medications for the following drug groups:

• Birth control (replacing the former Manitoba Prescription Birth Control Program)

• Diabetes medications, except for Ozempic, which means an EDS benefit and diabetes supplies remain covered under traditional Pharmacare with a deductible

• HIV prevention and treatment (replacing the former Manitoba HIV Medications Program)

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For physicians, as prescribers, there really aren’t many procedural changes that you need to be aware of, as most of the changes affect pharmacies in how they submit information. What’s important for physicians to know is that some medications are now available at no cost to patients, removing cost as a potential barrier. However, if a medication remains on Part 2, or EDS, criteria will still apply as was the case before, even if drugs are moving to no-cost status. 

The Government of Manitoba released a memo on Monday, where you can find the applicable medication list, an outline of the changes, and an FAQ.