House of Commons Passes Pharmacare Bill, Advances to Senate
The Liberals’ pharmacare bill is on its way to the Senate after successfully passing third reading in the House of Commons.
The development of this bill involved extensive negotiations between the Liberals and New Democrats as part of their political agreement to avoid an early election.
This proposed legislation would provide initial coverage for certain contraceptive and diabetes medications by the federal government, laying the groundwork for a potential comprehensive universal pharmacare program down the line.
The specific drugs covered are still uncertain as they will be determined through discussions with provincial and territorial governments.
Once the bill is enacted, Health Minister Mark Holland can initiate formal talks with provinces and territories to establish the program, which is estimated to cost $1.5 billion over five years.
The aim is for Canadians to have access to contraceptive and diabetes medications or supplies by presenting their health card, regardless of existing insurance coverage.
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