What is the difference between Special Authority and PharmaCare Plan G for ADHD meds in BC?

Special Authority and PharmaCare Plan G are different British Columbia drug programs, and neither is the same as Fair PharmaCare. Special Authority is a clinical pre-approval so a limited-coverage drug can be eligible under PharmaCare. For ADHD, lisdexamfetamine and certain long-acting methylphenidate products have published trial criteria, such as a prior immediate- or sustained-release stimulant trial. Special Authority answers the question of whether a drug meets limited-coverage rules. Plan G answers a different question: it can pay 100 percent of eligible psychiatric medication costs when cost is a serious barrier to treatment. Rules, coverage and referral pathways vary by province and can change; confirm the current position with the relevant institution or provincial program. References: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/bcs-primary-care-system/provincial-attachment-system https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/prescription-stimulants.html https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/recommendations