According to a recent Nanos Research public opinion poll conducted for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), 20%, or one in five, British Columbians would be very likely to change his or her vote if the party they currently support fails to present a plan for the future of healthcare. “Our polls show that across Canada […]
The new generic drug pricing changes that have taken place across the country have created some evolving implications for plan sponsors. Not only have these changes led to significant pricing discrepancies across Canada, they have impacted preferred provider arrangements between plans and pharmacy providers, and have impacted drugs that were previously unaffected by pricing changes. […]
Despite the frenzy the legislation for lower generic drugs caused, leading plan sponsors to think it would equate to lower costs for benefits plans, those beliefs were quickly dispelled by industry professionals that pointed out generics are not widely used in drug plans. Suzanne Lepage, private health plan strategist from Kitchener, Ont. pointed out in […]
Suzanne Lepage, private health plan strategist from Kitchener, Ont. presented a thought provoking and education session at the Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference, hosted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans in Las Vegas. Here are some of the key facts and figures from her presentation. For a more in-depth story on this […]
Why is there a focus on generic drug reform? asked Barbara Martinez, a principal with Mercer, speaking on December 1 during a Mercer webinar entitled “Drug Reform—What’s Next?” According to IMS Health, 54.3% of prescriptions in 2009 were filled with a generic. And, while these may be lower cost than the name brand, generics in […]
The cost of prescription drug costs continues to be the topic of much discussion in the private sector as well as the public sector. Costs are going up at rates that far exceed inflation, and everyone is looking for a scapegoat. In Canada, we spend in excess of $20 billion on prescription drugs each year, […]