8 October 2019 - Three of the major federal parties have promised they’ll introduce universal pharmacare if elected.
While the details and costs of their plans differ, coverage of drug prescriptions would help the almost one million low-income Canadians who are struggling to pay for prescription medication, with some going without food and heat to pay for drugs, according to a recent study.
Vulnerable Canadians, including contract workers and people without private health insurance, are struggling to pay for meds for common conditions like diabetes, asthma, cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Around 20% of Canadians have inadequate drug coverage or no coverage at all, and must pay out of pocket.