The Government of Alberta has no plans to participate in the universal pharmacare program expected under a federal agreement between the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC). The province says it will seek financial compensation.
Alberta Health Minister Adrianna LaGrange's office says in a news release that all Albertans already have access to government-funded health insurance plans, which include drug coverage.
Alberta intends to exit the program and receive the full per capita share of these funds for use in its province's health care system, the release said.
Alberta was not consulted on the national drug insurance plan.
According to the minister's office, there are limits in the analysis and assumptions of the federal plan that were not taken into account and increase costs for the states. The same applies to the initial investment and administrative costs for implementing the federal plan.
Last Friday, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC) reached an agreement that keeps the government in power. In return, the government will introduce universal, uniform drug insurance.
Not so fast, say Friends of Medicare
For Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare, a public health advocacy group, it makes no sense for Alberta to consider not participating in the federal drug insurance program.
He believes the Alberta government's claim that citizens largely benefit from drug insurance is not valid for people with diabetes.
The Minister of Health points out that all Albertans have access to drug insurance and that there is no problem.
The reality, in his opinion, is that diabetics only have access to medicines “if they can afford to buy the medicines, cover the costs and…” buy the equipment.
If you have to have money to access it [aux médicaments]then you will not have access to it.
According to him, it is irresponsible for the Alberta government to assert that it will not be part of the federal program before even having the final details.