Pharmacare legislation includes universal access to
contraception and diabetes medications.
HAMILTON, ON, May 24, 2024
/CNW/ - Canadians should have access to quality medicines,
regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. People
should not have to choose between paying for their medications and
putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many Canadians are still
forced to make this impossible decision.
That's why, today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women
and Gender Equality and Youth, joined the Honourable Filomena
Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development
Agency for Southern Ontario, the
Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
and Associate Minister of Health, and Lisa
Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women
and Gender Equality and Youth, to reiterate the Government of
Canada's commitment to help make
essential and preventive medications more accessible and
affordable, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of
Health.
In February 2024, the Government
of Canada introduced legislation
that proposes foundational principles for the first phase of
national universal pharmacare in Canada and the intent to work with provinces
and territories to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a
number of contraceptives and diabetes medications. The
Pharmacare Act is a concrete step towards the vision of a
national pharmacare program that is accessible, inclusive, and
fiscally sustainable—today and for the next generation.
Coverage for contraceptives will mean that nine million
Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to
contraception and reproductive autonomy, reducing the risk of
unintended pregnancies and improving their ability to plan for the
future. Cost has consistently been identified as the single most
important barrier to accessing these medications and the cost is
unevenly borne by women and gender-diverse Canadians. Canadians of
reproductive age will now have affordable access to a comprehensive
suite of contraceptive drugs and devices.
Diabetes is a complex disease that has no cure, but can be
treated with safe and effective medications. However, one in four
Canadians with diabetes has reported not following their treatment
plan due to cost. Improving access to diabetes medications will
help improve the health of 3.7 million Canadians living with
diabetes, and reduce the risk of serious life-changing health
complications, such as blindness or amputations.
The Government of Canada will
consult widely about the way forward and will work with provinces,
territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners and
stakeholders to improve the accessibility, affordability, and
appropriate use of pharmaceutical products, by reducing financial
barriers and contributing to physical and mental health and
well-being.
Financial barriers should not be the reason people cannot access
prescription drugs and related products. We are determined to work
towards a plan where Canadians can obtain their medication as
prescribed, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
This is an important step forward to improving health equity,
affordability, and health outcomes, as well as having the potential
of long-term savings to the health care system.
Quotes
"Each and every person in Canada should have access to the prescription
drugs they need. That's why we are working with our partners
towards the first phase of national universal pharmacare. This
important next step will provide universal access to contraception
and diabetes medication that will be transformational in improving
health outcomes in Canada."
The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of
Health
"Gender equality in health means recognizing and addressing the
unique barriers women and gender-diverse people often face in
accessing healthcare, treatment, and research. This includes
overcoming obstacles to consistent and appropriate contraception
use, which can be particularly challenging for these groups in
Canada. By improving the
accessibility, affordability, and reliability of pharmaceutical
products, we can ensure that women and gender-diverse people
receive the equitable healthcare they deserve. This will lead to
better health outcomes and a more inclusive healthcare system for
all."
The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
"We know that the cost of prescription medication has become too
much for far too many people in Canada. Our government is determined to work
towards a plan where Canadians can access their medication as
prescribed, regardless of where they live or their ability to
pay."
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of
Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of
Health
"People should not have to choose between paying for their
medications and putting food on the table. Not being able to afford
medications or lacking access to contraceptives can lead to
increased hospitalizations and higher healthcare costs. By
addressing these obstacles, the Government of Canada is working to improve individual health
outcomes and alleviate pressure on our healthcare system."
Lisa
Hepfner
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Member of Parliament
for Hamilton Mountain
Quick Facts
- On December 18, 2023, the
Government of Canada announced the
creation of the Canadian Drug Agency with an investment of over
$89.5 million over five years,
starting in 2024-25. The Agency will provide the dedicated
leadership and coordination needed to make Canada's drug system more sustainable and
prepared for the future and help Canadians achieve better health
outcomes.
- On March 22, 2023, the Government
of Canada announced measures in
support of the first-ever National Strategy for Drugs for Rare
Diseases, with an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years to help increase
access to, and the affordability of, effective drugs for rare
diseases.
- PEI residents have saved over $2
million in out-of-pocket costs on more than 230,000
prescriptions under PEI's $5 copay
program, which was launched in June
2023 and reduced copays for almost 60% of medications
regularly used by Island residents. These latest improvements are
an important milestone of the Improving Affordable Access to
Prescriptions Drugs (IAAPD) initiative that provides federal
funding to PEI to improve access to prescription drugs and make
prescriptions drugs more affordable for Island residents.
Associated Links
- Backgrounder: Universal Access to Contraception
- Backgrounder: Universal Access to Diabetes Medications, and
Diabetes Device Fund for Devices and Supplies
- Final Report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of
National Pharmacare
- Prescription drug insurance coverage
SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada