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Pharmacare legislation includes universal access to contraception and diabetes medications
On May 24th, NSNU president Janet Hazelton stood shoulder to shoulder at a news conference in Truro with proponents of a national prescription drug program, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Asked to speak by the Prime Minister, President Hazelton was eager to share her thoughts on this missing piece of the Medicare vision.
It’s clear through research and polling that many Canadians need access to quality medicines. People should not have to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many Canadians are still forced to make this impossible decision.
In February 2024, the Government of Canada introduced C-64, the Pharmacare Act, that puts forward the plan for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and the intent to work with provinces and territories to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraceptives and diabetes medications. The Pharmacare Act is a concrete step towards a national pharmacare program that will improve the health of Canadians and build a stronger public health care system.
“Nurses see first-hand the consequences of failing to provide universal, equitable coverage for diabetes and birth control to our patients. Like so many Canadians, nurses believe everyone should be covered by the same plan, on equal terms, without financial barriers. Access should be based on need, not location, ability to pay, age, employment, or other factors,” says Janet Hazelton, NSNU president.
Coverage for contraceptives will mean that nine million Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to contraception and support their sexual and reproductive health. Cost has consistently been identified as the single most significant barrier to accessing these medications and this cost is unevenly borne by women and gender-diverse Canadians. Pharmacare will give women and gender diverse Canadians freedom over their reproductive health.
Diabetes is a complex disease that has no cure but can be treated with safe and effective medications. However, one in four Canadians with diabetes has 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.
The Government of Canada has committed to consulting widely about the path forward and plans to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners and stakeholders to improve the accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of pharmaceutical products. Financial barriers should never be the reason people cannot access prescription drugs and related products.
This is an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and health outcomes for Canadians, with potential long-term cost savings to our public health care system.
