Pharmacare

One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work for Canadians’ Drug Coverage

97% of Canadians are already eligible for drug coverage.

By switching to a one-size-fits-all system, Canadians who rely on cutting-edge treatments risk losing access to the broad range of medicines and therapies that private plans can provide. While the Pharmacare Act presents an important opportunity to broaden access and close gaps in coverage, the program’s design will be critical in determining its success; it could either expand coverage or risk leaving many Canadians without adequate support.

How Can We Safeguard Canadians’ Access to Innovative Medicines?

The Government of Canada must work with the provinces to ensure Canadians have access to the coverage that fits their needs. We encourage provincial governments to actively engage in negotiations with the federal government, ensuring that solutions reflect the specific health needs of their populations. This approach will ensure that pharmacare funds are used to address real, unmet needs rather than duplicating existing services or altering service coverage available to Canadians.