Pharmacare bill covering diabetes, birth control medications passes Senate
The legislation will inform the creation of any future national, universal pharmacare plan.
The pharmacare bill, which was a key component of the political agreement between the Liberals and NDP, is now poised to become law after passing through the Senate without amendments.
This legislation will guide the development of any future national, universal pharmacare program.
It also enables the government to enter agreements with provinces and territories to provide coverage for diabetes and birth-control medications under the public health system. The bill’s content was carefully negotiated as part of the now-ended supply-and-confidence deal between the NDP and Liberals.
British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Ottawa to initiate the program in that province.
Health Minister Mark Holland aims to have all provinces and territories involved by next spring, though the bill still requires royal assent before these agreements can be finalized.
