Pharmacare
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APWG: Bill C-213 important step towards a long-awaited national, universal Pharmacare
EDMONTON - The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group (APWG) is encouraged by the tabling and subsequent debate of Bill C-213, An Act to Enact the Canada Pharmacare Act. If passed, this private member’s bill would create a framework for the implementation of a national pharmacare program modeled after the Canada Health Act, founded on the principles of public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility. The Bill comes before the House of Commons in an historic vote tomorrow, February 24, 2021.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
February 23, 2021 -
Drug coverage changes kick Albertans while they're down
EDMONTON — AHS has proposed a new program that would shift the cost of certain medications, including those used to treat cancer and Crohn’s, onto patients, as revealed in a CBC report today. This change exemplifies this government’s cruel, shameful and short-sighted approach to saving money on the backs of sick Albertans.
The Standardizing Access to Medications for Ambulatory Patients (STAMP) program aims to reduce AHS spending by an estimated $2.3 million dollars by requiring that patients pay for the cost of their medications, as well as the costs of having them administered, such as in the case of infusions.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
October 21, 2020 -
Throne Speech: Premiers Should Not Play Partisan Politics with Health Care; Concrete Commitments Needed From Provincial & Federal Governments
EDMONTON (Canada-wide) — Health Coalitions across Canada were pleased with Throne Speech promises to expand public health care to create a universal comprehensive public pharmacare program and to set national standards for long-term care. However, concrete commitments are conspicuously absent.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 29, 2020 -
APWG: Pharmacare Bill signals a positive step towards a long-awaited national, universal Pharmacare program
The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group (APWG) is encouraged by the tabling of Bill C-213, An act to enact the Canada Pharmacare Act. This private member’s bill, introduced by Peter Julian, MP for New Westminster-Burnaby, proposes the framework for the implementation of a national pharmacare program modeled after the Canada Health Act, and founded in the principles of public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
February 24, 2020 -
Advisory Council on Pharmacare recommends a single-payer, universal, public pharmacare system
Today was a historical day for public health care. The Advisory Council for the Implementation of National Pharmacare released its final report, recommending a universal, single-payer pharmacare program. Following a year-long consultation process with Canadians and stakeholder groups, the Advisory Council has taken the first major step towards finally achieving a national prescription drug plan for all.“Canadians have spoken and have said clearly that we don’t want to wait another 53 years to implement a national pharmacare plan,” says Sandra Azocar, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “After decades of advocacy and report after report calling for a national pharmacare program, Friends of Medicare is pleased to finally be seeing progress on this important issue that has impacted the lives and well-being of Canadians for so long.”
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
June 12, 2019 -
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 -
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 -
APWG Applauds Lobbyists
Canadians Lobby for Universal Pharmacare on Parliament Hill
The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group supports the hundreds of Canadians from all across the country who are descending on the Parliament Hill today to fight for universal Pharmacare. Albertans will be joining Canadian Labour Congress representatives to speak with MPs and Senators about a Pharmacare program that won't leave anyone behind.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
February 26, 2019 -
“Pharmacare Consensus Principles” Clearly Outlines the Principles by Which a National Pharmacare Program Should be Governed
MEDIA RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
“PHARMACARE CONSENSUS PRINCIPLES” CLEARLY OUTLINES THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM SHOULD BE GOVERNED
Pro-pharmacare advocates across the country have achieved consensus about the principles which must underpin a national pharmacare program in Canada. More than 70 national, provincial and territorial organizations agree that Canadian pharmacare must be a single-payer system that is universal, public, accessible, comprehensive, and provides portable coverage. Friends of Medicare is proud to be one of the many signatories to this national consensus.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 24, 2018
