Conference coverage: 2019 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum

On Dec. 3, the 2019 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum featured sessions on rare disease, the pharmaceutical industry’s point of view, legal obligations in drug plan management and a deeper dive into drug programs.

Capping coverage for plan members with rare diseases poses an ethical dilemma
While high-cost specialty medications represent about 30 per cent of drug costs, the total budget impact of rare disease drugs is less than two per cent, said Brad McCaw, associate director of market access at Alexion Pharmaceuticals Canada. Read more.

Is innovation causing accessibility, timing issues for private drug plans?
Pharmaceutical companies and private payers can interact in different ways to ensure the right drugs are getting to the right patients, according to Kathy Sotirakos, senior manager of market access and private insurance at Amgen. Read more.

Collaboration fundamental when managing, altering Canadian drug plans
As the landscape of Canadian drug plan management continues to evolve, several programs to help plan sponsors manage drug plan costs are being implemented by insurers and pharmacy benefits managers. Read more.

A look at the legal risk for benefits plan sponsors
With Canada’s population ageing and research and development looking to produce medications that are beneficial for this evolving demographic, drugs are becoming more expensive, according to Mitch Frazer, partner and chair of the pensions and employment practice at Torys LLP. Read more.