Danielle Martin

Estimated cost of universal public coverage of prescription drugs in Canada

Background: With the exception of Canada, all countries with universal health insurance systems provide universal coverage of prescription drugs. Progress toward universal public drug coverage in Canada has been slow, in part because of concerns about the potential costs. We sought to estimate the cost of implementing universal public coverage of prescription drugs in Canada. Methods: We used published data on prescribing patterns and costs by drug type, as well as source of funding (i.e., private drug plans, public drug plans and out-of-pocket expenses), in each province to estimate the cost of universal public coverage of prescription drugs from the perspectives of government, private payers and society as a whole. We estimated the cost of universal public drug coverage based on its anticipated effects on the volume of prescriptions filled, products selected and prices paid. We selected these parameters based on current policies and practices seen either in a Canadian province or in an international comparator. Results: Universal public drug coverage would reduce total spending on prescription drugs in Canada by

Activity-Based Funding of Hospitals and Its Impact on Mortality, Readmission, Discharge Destination, Severity of Illness, and Volume of Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

7.3 billion (worst-case scenario

A randomized wait-list control trial to evaluate the impact of a mobile application to improve self-management of individuals with type 2 diabetes: a study protocol

4.2 billion, best-case scenario

Regulator or regulatory shield? The case for reforming Canada’s Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

9.4 billion). The private sector would save

Integrating the map and the territory.

8.2 billion (worst-case scenario

Standardising costs or standardising care? Qualitative evaluation of the implementation and impact of a hospital funding reform in Ontario, Canada

6.6 billion, best-case scenario

Prelude to a Systematic Review of Activity-Based Funding of Hospitals: Potential Effects on Health Care System Cost, Quality, Access, Efficiency, and Equity

9.6 billion), whereas costs to government would increase by about

Prelude to a systematic review of activity-based funding of hospitals: potential effects on cost, quality, access, efficiency, and equity

1.0 billion (worst-case scenario

1-800 Imaging: Building Partnerships Between Primary Care and Medical Imaging

5.4 billion net increase, best-case scenario

Navigating the Evidence: Communicating Canadian Health Policy in the Media

2.9 billion net savings). Most of the projected increase in government costs would arise from a small number of drug classes. Interpretation: The long-term barrier to the implementation of universal pharmacare owing to its perceived costs appears to be unjustified. Universal public drug coverage would likely yield substantial savings to the private sector with comparatively little increase in costs to government.