Federal government, this Thursday, tabled Bill C-64 which lays out a framework for the first phase of pharmacare in Canada. Under the first phase the government plans to cover a number of diabetes medications and contraceptives. There is no fixed date announced by the government to roll out the Pharmacare.
Mark Holland, Minister of Health, introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare describes the Government of Canada’s intent to work with provinces and territories (PTs) to provide universal, single-payer coverage.
Coverage for contraceptives will mean that 9 million Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to contraception and reproductive autonomy, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and improving their ability to plan for the future. “Cost has consistently been identified as the single most important barrier to access to these medications and the cost is unevenly borne by women and gender diverse Canadians. Bill C-64 will ensure that Canadians will have access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive drugs and devices,” Holland said.
Diabetes is a complex disease that has no cure but can be treated with safe and effective medications. One in four Canadians with diabetes have reported not following their treatment plan due to cost. Improving access to diabetes medications will help improve the health of 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes and reduce the risk of serious life-changing health complications such as blindness or amputations.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body either does not produce or effectively use insulin, which it needs to turn sugar into energy. Diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. Diabetes disproportionately affects certain populations within Canada. Evidence shows that First Nations and Métis people, and people of African, East Asian and South Asian ethnic backgrounds have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes compared to the general population.
What will be covered under diabetes medication
Diabetics in Canada will have access to first-line treatments for diabetes that lower blood glucose levels, including:
- Insulin, which is used by patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Insulin can cost in the range of $900-$1,700 per year, depending on the type and dosage required.
- Metformin, which is used by patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin can cost about $100 per year.
- Medications often used in combination with insulin and metformin by patients with type 2 diabetes, including Sulfonylureas, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. The cost of these medications can range from approximately $100 to over $1,000 per year.
Canadians using insulin require the necessary equipment to administer their medication. This can include syringes, insulin pens and pen tips, or insulin pumps and supplies such as insertion sets and insulin cartridges. Separate from Bill C-64, the federal government is announcing its intention to establish a fund to support access to diabetes devices and supplies. Further details regarding this fund will be provided following discussions with PT partners, who will be essential partners to its roll out.
The Minister also announced the government’s plan to establish a fund to support Canadians’ access to supplies that diabetics require to manage and monitor their condition and administer their medication, such as syringes and glucose test strips.
