An argument for national pharmacare is the number of older Canadians who either don’t fill prescriptions or skip doses because they’re too expensive, a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests. “Universal access to necessary medicines is one of the measurable goals of the United Nations drive for universal health coverage in all countries,” wrote the […]
British drug maker AstraZeneca is considering acquiring cancer-drug developer Acerta Pharma, which operates in the Netherlands and California, The New York Times reports. The news comes at a time when the pharmaceutical giant tries to grow its cancer treatment options. It remains unclear if AstraZeneca will finalize such a deal or what the terms of […]
At a luncheon last week for the benefits industry, the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) unveiled its chronic disease management program for diabetes, developed with the workplace in mind. OPA is making the pitch to work directly with insurance carriers or plan sponsors to implant the program as a coaching service for eligible plan members. It […]
For every dollar invested in pharmacist services, many more will be saved because plan members with chronic conditions will be healthier—and may even be able to drop medications they no longer need. Such was the case put forward by presenters at the 2015 Pharmacy Solutions in Drug Plan Management conference in October in Toronto. While […]
Pharmacists Mike Boivin, John Papastergiou and Hitesh Pandya kicked things off with a ground-level view of what happens at the dispensary counter with plan members. In one case, a patient had been using samples for an antidepressant from his physician. When he learned his plan did not cover the drug, he paid for the medication […]
On-site wellness clinics can be an effective entry point for pharmacy services. Based on its data from such programs in the workplace, MHCSI Managed Health Care Services Inc. has found that about a third of plan members are at risk of chronic disease and a third are at very high risk, noted Leanne MacFarlane, MHCSI’s […]
Pharmacist Mike Cavanagh presented on behalf of the Pharmacy Health Insurance Steering Coalition (PHISC), a joint initiative by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, the Neighbourhood Pharmacies Association of Canada and the Canadian Pharmacists Association. PHISC is putting the finishing touches on a package that explains the pharmacy services that could be covered by […]
Benefits Canada’s 2015 Pharmacy Solutions In Drug Plan management wrapped up with a five-member panel that considered the future of drug benefits. As specialty drugs continue to grow their share of the market, it may be safe to assume that “new drugs aren’t simply going to be added to formularies, whether they’re specialty or otherwise,” […]
A U.S. judge has refused to dismiss an insider trading lawsuit filed by two pension funds against Quebec-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman over their activities before last year’s failed attempt to acquire Botox-maker Allergan. District Judge David Carter of California ruled this week that the case filed on behalf of investors […]
Expensive biologics are driving up drug claims costs…but how can employers choose between saving a life and saving the drug plan for everyone?