New Article and Podcast: Pharmacare and Access to Medicines in Canada: Is Bill C-64 a Step in the Right Direction?
by
Marc-André Gagnon
The provision of prescription drugs is typically a fundamental component of national health care systems, often viewed as an essential health service. Notably, every OECD country with universal health care covers prescription drugs, except Canada. (ACINP 2019) The concept of “Pharmacare” — public drug coverage distinct from universal health coverage (Medicare) — is a Canadian specificity. Although all provinces and territories offer some level of public drug coverage for non-working populations, such as seniors and those on social assistance, the majority of Canadians receive drug coverage through private benefits provided by employers. Consequently, access to medicines is still conceived of as privileges offered by employers to employees.
Public drug coverage in Canada is characterized by a fragmented system comprised of numerous drug plans designed to aid individuals without access to private insurance. This fragmentation results in many Canadians falling through the gaps and struggling to access necessary medications. Since 2015, the debate around reforming public drug coverage has intensified, and significant reforms are gradually being implemented.(Adams & Smith, 2017; Boothe, 2018; Flood, Thomas, & Moten, 2018; Gagnon, 2021) This paper outlines the current structure of drug coverage in Canada, evaluates its outcomes regarding access and costs, explores the ongoing debates and recent federal legislation aimed at introducing universal pharmacare, and, more specifically, explains why progressive amendments were called for before the passing of Bill C-64; An Act Respecting Pharmacare.