The Federal Government is currently debating Bill C-64, an Act regarding pharmacare. CARP is concerned that this bill if passed in its current iteration– a single public plan – would harmfully reduce both access to and the quality of prescription drug coverage. We are also concerned that it would make it harder to access newer, more effective and in some cases, life-saving medications. In addition, this plan would use scarce federal funds to pay for 27 million people who already have coverage.

CARP is concerned by recent statements made by federal Health Minister Mark Holland regarding the federal government’s proposed pharmacare plan. In a letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology studying Bill C-64, Minister Holland wrote “under this program, the cost of these medications will be paid for and administered through the public plan, rather than through a mix of public and private payers.”

CARP fears this will reduce access to the prescription drugs that Canadian seniors depend on and receive through existing health benefit coverage.

Recently, during his testimony on Bill C-64 before House and Senate committees, the Minister assured Canadians they could choose and keep their private drug plans. CARP believes the Minister’s letter contradicts this promise. This contradiction is causing concern among many our older Canadian members.

CARP urges the federal government to maintain seniors’ ability to access robust prescription drug coverage through their retiree, workplace, or other benefit plans. Further, CARP calls on the Senate to amend Bill C-64 to ensure it focuses on filling the gaps for those who need it most while protecting the existing coverage of over 27 million Canadians.

Since the specifics of national pharmacare are still being developed, it’s unclear how it will align with existing workplace or individual prescription drug coverage. Many private drug plans currently cover a broader range of medications than government programs. Additionally, private plans often include extra benefits, such as health case management, that aren’t part of the proposed Pharmacare Act. Until more details are available, it may be wise to maintain your current drug coverage, as it likely covers more than just essential medications like those for contraception and diabetes.

Interested in more context? Read this  prior Op Ed by Bill VanGorder, Advocacy and Education Officer.

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