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The introduction of a pioneering bill in the House of Commons hints the first steps toward a national pharmacare plan that could promise accessible diabetic and contraceptive medications to residents in Windsor-Essex.
Should the province of Ontario embrace Bill C-64, individuals who typically bear the costs of these medications could see money returned to their pockets.
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“It’s transformative for Canadians,” said MP Irek Kusmierczyk (L – Windsor-Tecumseh).
“Especially for communities like ours where we do have higher rates of poverty and we have a lot of vulnerable residents who are struggling.”
Through comprehensive, single-payer coverage, the pharmacare act could potentially save diabetic individuals $1,500 annually. Those who rely on standard contraception methods stand to save around $300, and IUD users up to $500.
“No one should ever have to skip their medication, jeopardizing their health, because they don’t have enough money to afford it,” said MP Brian Masse (NDP — Windsor West) in a news release.
“Everyone should have access to the medication they need with their health card, not their credit card. But nearly one in four Canadians have reported splitting pills, skipping doses, or deciding not to renew or fill their prescriptions due to high costs.”
The most recent figures reported by Public Health Ontario places Windsor-Essex slightly above the average prevalence of diabetes among other urban areas with moderate population density.
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During the 2019 to 2020 period, 8.5 per cent of 134 individuals surveyed by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit self-reported having diabetes. The average prevalence rate in other urban areas was 7.6 per cent.
The Canadian government reported that one in four Canadians will forego purchasing the life-saving medication because of cost.
“Cost in the number one barrier,” Kusmierczyk said.
“A quarter of the people with diabetes can’t follow their doctor’s plans because they can’t afford it. That’s where this is going to really help out.”
He emphasized that the plan could potentially save the government up to $30 million annually by ensuring affordable medication, reducing emergency room visits and keeping more individuals active in the workforce.
Providing coverage for contraceptives will support 9 million Canadians of reproductive age, lowering the risk of unplanned pregnancies.
The plan will also benefit the health of 3.7 million diabetic Canadians, reducing incidences of life-altering complications like blindness and amputations.
The bill represents a crucial political agreement between the Liberals and New Democrats, arriving just one day before the negotiated deadline.
“We’re working together in this minority government and we’re getting things done that are huge,” said Kusmierczyk.
“These are historic pieces.”
The next phase of the plan will focus on engaging the provinces and territories in negotiations to secure their participation. Kusmierczyk added that there is currently no specified rollout deadline, although he hopes Ontario is eager to jump onboard.
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