Planning for My Financial Future

• Start the process online or go to a Service BC office with your identification (birth certificate, driver’s license and/or passport).
• Check out how to set up your BC Services card online or watch the video.
• Know that if you’re under 19, a parent/guardian usually needs to be present to verify your identity.
• Check out the other government programs that you need a BC Services card like Health Gateway (your health information), My Services Canada Account (for grants and benefits), Canada Revenue Service (your taxes), Student Aid (school grants and loans), and more. Here is a link to the complete list needing a BC Card Login.

• Know that when you get your BC Services Card, you’re automatically enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which gives you your Provincial/ Personal Health Number (PHN).
• Understand that if your family already has MSP, your parent/guardian can confirm that you’re still listed on their plan until age 19 years of age.
• Have your ID with you for all your health and government visits. It is also on the back of your Driver’s License.
• Know that your PHN is how your health and other services are tracked and paid for.
• Learn more about MSP, your PHN, and your BC Services card in the resource kit.

• Many banks let youth 12+ open accounts.
• Bring ID (like your BC Services Card, passport, or birth certificate).
• You may need a parent/guardian to co-sign depending on the bank and the type of account.

When you turn 18/19 in BC, certain services and supports shift from child/youth programs to adult programs:

• Health Care – You are expected to make your own medical decisions, signing your own consent forms, and handling your own medical information.
• School – You can stay in high school until 19, but services like educational aides and funding may change at 18.
• Home & Community Care – Youth services transition to adult home-support programs, which may have different be different.
• Hospital & Clinical Care – You move from pediatric to adult specialists, clinics, and hospitals.
• Government Services – You become responsible for updating your own ID, benefits, taxes, and applications (like DTC or disability supports).
• Health Insurance – you may no longer be covered under your parents/guardians’ extended health or dental plans.
• Legal Independence – You’re recognized as an adult who can sign contracts, leases, and medical consent forms on your own.

• Know that PharmaCare (also called Fair PharmaCare) helps cover the cost of prescription medications if you live in BC.
• Understand that you share the cost, with you paying part and the BC government paying the rest.
• Know that coverage is based on income, and people who earn less usually get more help.
• Be prepared to sign up for your own account at age 19, even if you were covered under a parent or guardian before.
• Know you can use the coverage automatically at the pharmacy once you are signed up.
• Learn about the difference between over-the-counter drugs and prescribed medications in the resource kit. The government usually only helps with the cost of your prescribed medications.
• Ask the pharmacy what is covered before you book or fill a prescription.
• Know that oral contraceptive pills, hormonal & copper IUDs, contraceptive implants and hormone injections are all covered as well as emergency contraception with no prescription needed.
• Look at other programs that are paid for by the government such as ‘stop smoking’ prescriptions, diabetes medications, opioid disorder treatments, and some medical devices and supplies.
• Register online using the Pharmacare  BC government website or by calling 1 800-663-7100. Have your PHN number ready.
• Remember, the coverage is based on your income, so the program needs your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and information about your income.
• Check out the MSP / Pharmacare application form for the information you can be asked.

So you now have an understanding of the basic programs to help pay for your health care costs in BC. There are additional ways to help cover some of your additional costs.

• Use a parent/ guardian’s work benefits if you are still listed as a dependent.
• Sign up for school health and dental plans if you attend college, university, or trade school.
• Enroll in workplace benefits when your job offers health or dental coverage.
• Buy private health insurance to help cover things like dental, vision, or prescriptions.
• Apply for government assistance programs if you have low or no income.
• Check eligibility for Indigenous health benefits if you are First Nations or Inuit.
• Use travel or emergency insurance if you need coverage outside BC.
• Combine multiple plans when allowed to lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Submit claims on time to get reimbursed for eligible expenses.
• Ask a pharmacist which insurance plan to bill first.
• Register for extra supports if you have a chronic health condition or disability. These can help cover specialized care, equipment, supplies, or medications.
• Learn how to apply for financial assistance in the topic below.

Money conversations can feel awkward, but asking for help and guidance is a strong first step. Use these questions to think things through or to start a conversation with a trusted adult or financial helper.

• Ask about career choices and what yearly income you may need to cover living and health care costs.
• Talk about health-related costs you might have now or in the future, especially if they aren’t fully covered by insurance.
• Check whether you have a realistic budget that includes medications, dental care, therapy, equipment, or assistive devices.
• Confirm that you need to file your taxes every year, since this is required to qualify for many government benefits and programs.
• Ask what benefits or supports you may be eligible for, such as government programs, workplace benefits, or insurance.
• Discuss whether you need a power of attorney (POA) or enduring POA and make sure that person understands your financial wishes.
• Share your long-term financial goals or concerns, including education, housing, health needs, or saving plans.
• Identify who is on your financial support team, such as a parent, guardian, social worker, accountant, or benefits worker.
• Explore how Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) uses a Personal Support Network – to help support and guide adults with disabilities or special needs in their living, finances, and legal decisions. This type of network can be helpful to all people needing support, especially if family is not available.
• Add your financial team members to your phone’s contact list so you can reach them easily when you need help.

Applying for financial support can feel confusing and overwhelming. The rules, forms, and language can be hard to understand, and each benefit or program has its own eligibility requirements. Getting help from a trusted adult or financial support person can make the process easier, help you understand what you qualify for, and reduce stress along the way.

• Figure out what you need help with, like housing, food, disability costs, equipment, school, and/or medications.
• Check what programs you might qualify for such as Income Assistance, Disability Assistance, Fair PharmaCare special programs, GST credit, Student Benefits, or others.
• Make a list of the programs & benefits you are eligible for. Read all the details and call support lines for help.
• Learn about Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in BC. If you are eligible, the application process starts when you are 18 years of age.
• Learn about Long Term Disability Insurance, if you have been employed and are facing a new serious physical or mental illness or injury that prevents you from working.
• Check out Pathways to Benefits in BC– a Canadian government service to teach you about each benefit/ program with links directly to application forms and more.
• Check out the Benefits Canada Finder to see what matches your needs.
• Make sure you have ID, like photo ID, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), and your Personal Health Number (PHN).
• Set up online accounts, such as My Service Canada Account.
• File your taxes every year, even if you made little or no money, because many benefits are based on tax info.
• Gather documents, like proof of income, rent costs, school enrollment, or medical forms as needed.
• Apply online whenever possible, since it’s usually faster and easier to track.
• Ask for help checking information and filling out forms from a trusted adult, social worker, or financial support person.
• Follow up on your application(s) and respond quickly if they ask for more information.
• Save copies or screenshots of applications, letters, and confirmation numbers.
• Set reminders to renew benefits or reapply when needed.
• Update your information if your income, address, or health situation changes.