On May 1, 2013 Medavie Blue Cross is adopting mandatory generic substitution on all of their existing insured small group business clients with 50 or fewer employees. Medavie Blue Cross joins Great-West Life and Sun Life in making generic substitution mandatory for plans.
Drug plan cost increases have levelled in recent years due to a large number of high-volume medications becoming available in a generic form and provincial drug reform driving down the price of generic drugs. At the same time, some insurance carriers have automatically implemented mandatory generic substitution policies on the majority of their plans (giving plan sponsors the option to opt out if they choose).
Small business owners in Nova Scotia will likely be saving money on their prescription drug costs this year.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals has launced a new online resource, called ChoosingGenerics.ca, to help Canadians learn about generic drugs.
Brian Mulroney is wading into the high-stakes debate over patent protection in the free trade talks with Europe, and he's clearly taking sides.
Just two years after legislation forced generic prices down 50% to 25% of brand for Ontario Drug Benefit recipients, prices may soon be cut even further.
A proposal for longer market monopolies by brand names could put a dent in generics savings, according to an analysis of Canadian retail prescription drug sales by the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA).
Quebec’s Bill 41, which increases pharmacists’ professional responsibilities, was adopted on Dec. 8. The bill permits pharmacists, under regulation by the Quebec Order of Pharmacists, to extend and adapt prescriptions, treat some minor conditions, order and analyze lab tests and administer medication for the purpose of instruction.
In July 2011, Medavie Blue Cross implemented a therapeutic substitution pilot program with a small group of pharmacies in Atlantic Canada. According to George Somers, director of professional and provider affairs at Medavie Blue Cross, the pilot was facilitated by new legislation and a subsequent interest by pharmacists and Medavie Blue Cross to explore new partnerships.
Over the past year, there has been a lot of movement from most of the provinces on drug pricing reforms. Last week at the two-day Benefits & Pension Summit, hosted by Benefits Canada, a panel made up of a consultant, a plan sponsor, a pharmacy benefits manager and a pharmacist weighed in on how the […]