Why This Matters: A pharmacare model that removes existing coverage could leave many Canadians without the medicines they currently rely on. Canadians deserve a system that expands access, not one that takes away choice or causes harmful delays.
This Canadian Press article explores a recent C.D. Howe Institute report that raises concerns about a purely single-payer pharmacare model. The think tank claims that replacing private and employer drug coverage entirely could reduce patient choice, delay access to newer medicines, and create system bottlenecks. They urge a pharmacare plan that combines public coverage with protection for existing plans, so Canadians do not lose the options they rely on.