The federal government’s national pharmacare initiative is once again under debate. While the Pharmacare Act commits Ottawa to working toward universal drug coverage, many experts are urging caution—arguing that a single-payer model could risk destabilizing both our drug coverage system and the broader health care structure Canadians rely on.
At Centrum Pharmacy, we believe pharmacare should focus on filling the gaps in our already robust public–private drug coverage system, rather than replacing it entirely.
The Current Debate
A recent report from the C.D. Howe Institute recommends that Canada avoid rushing into a universal, single-payer pharmacare plan. Instead, it highlights the strength of our mixed system, where both public and private insurance play important roles. Quebec’s long-standing hybrid model—where public coverage is mandatory for those without private plans—is cited as a realistic, sustainable example.
The concern is clear: while universal pharmacare sounds appealing, the estimated costs are staggering—$38.9 billion annually by 2027–28, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Even the current “first phase” rollout of contraceptives and certain diabetes medications is not fully funded, leaving gaps in access and questions about sustainability.
Why Filling Gaps Matters
Canada already has one of the most comprehensive drug coverage networks in the world, with most people insured through a mix of public and private plans. Instead of duplicating or replacing existing coverage, pharmacare could be most effective by:
- Ensuring no Canadian falls through the cracks due to lack of insurance.
- Prioritizing essential medications that save lives and improve outcomes.
- Working alongside private insurers to provide stability and innovation.
- Keeping costs sustainable so the entire healthcare system remains strong.
- Public/Private coverage means that the Taxpayer won’t be the Sole payor of this expense.
- Single payor Pharmacare only saves rich insurance companies money, not the poor taxpayer.
Centrum Pharmacy’s Perspective
As pharmacists, we see every day how vital medication access is for patients—but we also know how fragile healthcare funding can be. A sudden shift to a universal, single-payer system risks bankrupting the country and undermining the healthcare structure we cherish.
Instead, targeted pharmacare—designed to close gaps without tearing down what already works—is the balanced, patient-centered approach.
At Centrum Pharmacy, our commitment is to Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care. That means ensuring patients get the medications they need, while advocating for a pharmacare system that strengthens—not destabilizes—our health care.
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