A new study has shown the disparity in drug plans between politicians and the common man. The finding has revealed that bureaucrats enjoy a complete coverage, whilst the common Canadian gets only a partial cover under the public drug plan.
Canada's Association for the Fifty Plus, a formidable body, that takes the cause of seniors forward, spearheaded a study, which drew a comparison between the prescription drug plans of elected and public officials, with that of public drug plans in British Columbia and Ontario. The plans supervised by the federal government for aboriginals, veterans and soldiers also came under the purview of the study.Nearly 73 drugs which have been approved by Health Canada are awaiting the recommendations of the Common Drug Review (CDR). Of the 73 drugs, the CDR has recommended that 28 drugs come for coverage under the public drug plan. The point CARP is making, is that the politicians in both provinces can avail complete reimbursement for all 73 drugs.
CARP is worried that crucial medicines for the senior lot do not form part of the public drug plan - especially medicines for neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and diabetes. It is disconcerting to note that these medicines have not been recommended for inclusion by the CDR.
Lillian Morgenthau, president of CARP, said, “Ideally, we would like to have all drugs which are approved by Health Canada to be covered by provincial and federal drug plans. However, failing that, it is simply unacceptable that there isn't even full coverage of the 28 drugs recommended by the government's own Common Drug Review. We believe Canadians deserve better and are owed an answer."
Source-Medindia
SAV
