Chrystia Freeland stops by Toronto pharmacy to highlight drug coverage for diabetes and contraceptives in upcoming budget
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Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Saturday that a federal plan that will cover most prescription contraceptives and diabetes medicine in Canada will be rolled out soon.
Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Saturday that a federal plan that will cover most prescription contraceptives and diabetes medicine in Canada will be rolled out soon.
The Pharmacare Act was tabled last month. The first phase of its rollout will be included in the upcoming 2024 budget, Freeland said Saturday in an appearance at a Toronto pharmacy to highlight the plan.
When the first phase is implemented, prescription contraceptives like the birth control pill, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive injections and implants will be covered by the federal government.
These prescriptions currently cost between $150 - $300 per-year in Canada, or around $30 - $500 per unit. More than 9 million Canadians are currently in their reproductive years, which is when contraceptives are most commonly used.
According to a news release issued by the Department of Finance, existing healthcare spending will be enhanced in provinces and territories to cover the full costs.
“Women should have the autonomy to make their own choices about their health and their bodies,” Freeland, said at a pharmacy in her University-Rosedale riding. “Our plan is to make common contraceptives free – like birth control pills and IUDs, and even emergency contraception – will mean that, for nine million Canadian women, freedom of choice will be truly ‘free.’ And it means that more Canadian women will have freedom of choice over their bodies and their lives.”
Additionally, universal health coverage will extend to include diabetes medicine and over-the-counter emergency contraceptives.
