Why This Matters: When access to the most appropriate treatment is delayed, patients may spend more time on therapies that are not meeting their needs — with potential consequences for their health and the broader health system.
Summary: Some Canadian public drug plans require patients to try older, lower-cost treatments before covering newer, more expensive therapies. While these policies are designed to manage costs, they can also delay access to treatments that may be better suited to an individual patient. As medicines become more targeted and personalized, Canada needs coverage policies that consider the full value of treatment, including outcomes for patients, the health system, and the economy.