News
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Extended seniors coverage is a welcome step towards ultimate goal of achieving a truly universal drug plan
MEDIA RELEASE
MARCH 29, 2019
Reducing pharmaceutical cost barriers for seniors is a welcome step towards ultimate goal of achieving a truly universal drug plan
Today’s announcement by the NDP about their plan to expand pharmaceutical coverage to all low and middle income seniors is a welcome incremental step in addressing the massive burden that drug costs have on Albertans and their families.The announcement came with a commitment of $110 million per year, which the NDP estimates will save qualifying seniors an average of $200 annually in out of pocket costs. The plan will cover all seniors with a yearly income of $75,000 or less, impacting 4 out of 5 seniors. Currently all Albertans aged 65 or older have drug coverage through the Coverage for Seniors Benefit, but are required to pay copayments of 30% for each prescription they fill, up to a maximum of $25. As many seniors require multiple medications, these costs can quickly add up, especially impacting the many seniors on a fixed income.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 29, 2019 -
UCP health policy announcement insupportable
Today’s health policy announcement from Jason Kenney, leader of the United Conservative Party, made clear that he and his party are not interested in finding public solutions to improve and expand our public health care system. Kenney presented Albertans with the UCP’s “Surgical Wait Time Reduction Plan,” and confirmed that if elected, his party would introduce policy to mirror the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative. He touted their achievements and successes; however, he did not disclose how much money they would need to invest in contracting out and privatizing public surgeries, nor where this money would be coming from.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 28, 2019 -
NDP wait times announcement a step in the right direction
Nobody should have to wait for longer than necessary for a surgery that they need, and today's announcement of a $90 million per year strategic investment will address some of the immediate issues that are pressing for Albertans. Rachel Notley promised that if the NDP are re-elected, they are committed to providing funding increases for cancer surgeries, open heart surgeries and cataract surgeries, while all other surgeries would also see an increase over the three years. The announcement also included a promise to increase access to specialists directly from the ER, and to expand emergency psychiatrist access to 24 hours.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 26, 2019 -
Good direction for long term care, but beds must be public
MEDIA RELEASE
MARCH 21, 2019
EDMONTON
Advocacy groups: Good direction for long term care, but beds must be public
Today, Premier Rachel Notley announced that if re-elected, the Alberta New Democratic Party is committed to building an additional 2,000 long term care (LTC) beds. The promised $170 million investment is welcome news to a system that is currently facing serious shortages.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 21, 2019 -
8 in 10 Albertans support the right to medical assistance in dying
MEDIA RELEASE
MARCH 21, 2019
EDMONTON
New poll released by Dying with Dignity Canada demonstrates that the right to assisted dying is an issue that unites rather than divides Albertans
8 in 10 Albertans believe that publicly funded hospitals in Alberta should be required to allow medical assistance in dying (MAID) on their premises, finds a new poll commissioned by Dying With Dignity Canada.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 21, 2019 -
The Protection of Health Care Act: A step in the right direction to protect and expand public health
The Protection of Health Care Act: A step in the right direction to protect and expand public health
With the introduction of Bill 1, the Protection of Health Care Act, Friends of Medicare is optimistic that for the first time in this province we will see the political will to protect our public health care and an end to shirking the rule of law in Canada and Alberta.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 18, 2019 -
Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care
March 13, 2019
EDMONTON
Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care
The plans announced today by UCP leader, Jason Kenney, proposing to privatize laundry services in hospitals, is the second announcement he has made touting the supposed efficiency of the private sector in our public health care. His announcement takes us back to the mid-1990s when, under the Conservative government of Ralph Klein in Alberta, laundry services in Calgary were privatized. As a result, laundry workers went on a wildcat strike and garnered national headlines, but the contract was eventually given to K-Bro Linen.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 13, 2019 -
Been there, done that: Albertans want strong public health care not privatization
Privatization Ideologues have been set on marketizing our health care system, and yesterday's announcement by the leader of the UCP, Jason Kenney, that he intends to privatize laboratory services in Alberta, is another reminder that this unbridled disdain for our public services is nothing more than a celebration of self-interest and the interests of those who seek to profit from the poor health of others.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 12, 2019 -
APWG Optimistic About Advisory Council's Interm Report
Alberta Pharmacare Working Group Optimistic About Advisory Council's Interim Report
Edmonton - The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group is encouraged following today’s release of the Advisory Council for the Implementation of National Pharmacare’s interim report. Its initial recommendations outline six core principles for national pharmacare, and call for: the creation of a national drug agency; a comprehensive, evidence-based national drug formulary; and, investment in drug data and information technology.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 06, 2019 -
FOM Responds to Advisory Council's Interim Report
“Today’s release of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare interim report was thin on details but it is a good first step in establishing a foundation for the implementation of what Friends of Medicare hopes to see become a universal, single-payer pharmacare program,” says Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 06, 2019
