While the rising cost of prescription drugs has slowed over the years, it's likely to increase at a faster pace in the future.
Solutions to rising drug costs and unequal drug coverage are never easy. But that shouldn’t stop stakeholders from examining these issues to determine what can be done to improve the current system.
There is overwhelming evidence of the impact of wealth on people’s health, according to a report.
With the current Canada Health Accord set to expire in 2014, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions is urging premiers to work with Ottawa to create a universal public drug program.
Ten years ago, prescription drug prices in Canada were essentially shrouded in mystery. Canadians who purchased drugs on a regular basis may have been aware that the total retail price paid at the pharmacy consisted of the ingredient cost plus the dispensing fee (the professional fee pharmacies charge to dispense medication and advice). In most provinces, these two price components are clearly disclosed on the official drug receipt.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says the prescription drug system must be fundamentally reformed if it is to serve Canadians well in the long term.
Canada's provincial pharmacare systems have flaws not found in other developed countries that could be addressed by integrating prescription drug coverage into the broader healthcare system, according to a report.
The effects of plan design are far-reaching. The following excerpt from the conference panel discussion, moderated by Suzanne Lepage, private health plan strategist, Suzanne Lepage Consulting Inc., touches on just how far.
Chronic illnesses cost employers big dollars in declining productivity and soaring drug costs. One-third of Canadians are diagnosed with one of seven chronic diseases, many of which co-occur, according to Chris Bonnett, president of H3 Consulting.
With drug costs rising, many stakeholders believe a new approach to drug evaluation for employer-sponsored plans is needed to manage the increase in drug spend, while ensuring plan members still have access to the beneficial medications they need. To facilitate the exchange of ideas, Benefits Canada organized a think-tank forum titled Canadian Leadership Council on […]