Low Cost Alternative (LCA) and Reference Drug Program (RDP) Data Files

For complete information on the LCA Program and RDP, please refer to the following sections of the PharmaCare Policy Manual: for the LCA Program, see Section 5.11 (PDF 320K); for the RDP Program, see Section 5.12 (PDF 320K)

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Current listing and reimbursement data files

Regularly updated information

PharmaCare provides regularly-updated LCA/RDP information in the three downloadable files below.

The files below are typically updated on the first Thursday of each month.

Filename Last Update Description
LCA Master Spreadsheet (XLS 928K) June 6, 2013 Includes all new and existing generic drugs within the LCA program with their current reimbursement limits.
RDP Master Spreadsheet (XLS 89K) June 6, 2013 Includes all new and existing drugs within the RDP program with their current reimbursement limits.
LCA/RDP Updates Workbook (XLS 159K) June 6, 2013

Includes the following four spreadsheets that provide cumulative information on all new generic drug listings, all new LCA categories, all changes and effective dates for new LCA or RDP reimbursement limits, and any drug de-listings:

  1. Summary Spreadsheet – summarizes the most recent changes made to the LCA program or the RDP program.
  2. LCA Updates Spreadsheet – records all updates made to the master LCA spreadsheet since April 1, 2013, in a cumulative manner.
  3. RDP Updates Spreadsheet – records all updates made to the master RDP spreadsheet since April 1, 2013, in a cumulative manner.
  4. Non-benefit Spreadsheet – records all non-benefit generic drug listing decisions made since April 1, 2013, in a cumulative manner.

Mid-cycle updates

Occasionally, PharmaCare makes changes to the Low-Cost Alternative or Reference Drug Programs between regular monthly updates. These as-needed changes might include generic drug pricing adjustments or expedited coverage for significant first-entry generics. When this happens, PharmaCare posts updated versions of the above files on the effective date of the change in PharmaCare coverage.

Tip: Make sure you always have the most recent information! Check this site on the first Thursday of the month and then again mid-month.

Additional information

On occasion, PharmaCare posts additional information on regular or as-needed LCA/RDP changes. Any such information is listed immediately below.

Item Description/Link Dated posted
- No additional files at this time -

For historical information on LCA and RDP pricing changes, contact the Pharmaceutical Services Division at pharma@gov.bc.ca

Interpreting the data files

If you have questions about the data files, please send a detailed e-mail to PharmaCare.