Pharmacare
Pharmacare is a Canadian proposal for a publicly-funded insurance program for medications,[1] similar to Medicare for health insurance. Limited pharmacare programs exist in the provinces of Ontario,[2] Manitoba,[3] and British Columbia.[4] Multiple organizers and commenters have advocated a pan-Canadian pharmacare program to complement the existing health system, but the precise model for implementation is unclear.[5][6][7]
In 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to implement pharmacare if re-elected. As of February 2024[update], this pledge is unfulfilled.[8][9] In late February 2024, the NDP and Liberals reached an agreement on proposed draft legislation for a pharmacare program, including the short-term implementation of coverage for contraception and the treatment of diabetes.[10] The proposed program would create a single-payer system to cover expenses for medications and other prescriptions.[10]
