Should Canada have a universal drug plan?

[Topaz]

Apparently, Layton has been asked by alot of people about a universal drug plan and I for one am for it. Drugs do cost and with jobs not paying alot people do need help with their health. There's 1.3 million Canadians without a drug plan and alot have to leave their medication at the drug store. One guy said he pays $400.00 for private drug plan but his medication cost $800 monthly. He also said he had to stop taking his heart medication because he had to pay for his mortgage, which he said he'll probably lose his house. I know the new drugs to fight cancer can cost up to $2500. Your thoughts?

[scribblet]

I can't agree with a universal drug plan, way too costly and who will pay for it?

How about a gov't drug plan for which we pay a fair premiums?

[normanchateau]

Apparently, Layton has been asked by alot of people about a universal drug plan and I for one am for it. Drugs do cost and with jobs not paying alot people do need help with their health. There's 1.3 million Canadians without a drug plan and alot have to leave their medication at the drug store. One guy said he pays $400.00 for private drug plan but his medication cost $800 monthly. He also said he had to stop taking his heart medication because he had to pay for his mortgage, which he said he'll probably lose his house. I know the new drugs to fight cancer can cost up to $2500. Your thoughts?

We have such a plan in British Columbia called Pharmacare. People pay a premium which is linked to their income but even those of us in the highest tax bracket pay, in my opinion, a relatively small and fair amount.

Other provinces have similar plans but I gather most don't. The pharmaceutical industry sometimes complains about Pharmacare because Pharmacare (appropriately) refuses to pay for drugs which are known to be less effective than some cheaper drugs.

For this to get off the ground federally, the proposal would have to come from the Conservatives, not the NDP.

If Stephen Harper proposed it, Conservative supporters would go for it (after some initial grumbling) and there'd be no objections from other political parties since there are no parties to the right of the Conservatives.

[Fortunata]

A drug plan could help a lot of people, however, a prevention plan could help more; if there was a choice between the two I'd take the preventative path so people would not need so many drugs down the line. We seem to be very cavalier in this country about our health. It's time doctors took a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach; maybe then people would get serious about their long-term health. This would benefit them and the system.

[BornAlbertan]

just yet more benefit for the have not provinces at the expense of the have provinces.

have no problem with sharing...but there is a difference between sharing and leeching.

[normanchateau]

just yet more benefit for the have not provinces at the expense of the have provinces.

Why doesn't Alberta have such a plan for Albertans? Can Alberta not afford it?

British Columbia has a Pharmacare plan for British Columbians.

[geoffrey]

Why doesn't Alberta have such a plan for Albertans? Can Alberta not afford it?

British Columbia has a Pharmacare plan for British Columbians.

Alberta doesn't see the point. I can buy private health care coverage that protects me from drug costs. Why does the government need to monopolize a functioning, effient industry?

Why is everyone so eager to allow the government to further take over business and enterprise in Canada?? How much government do you want in your life??

People need to realise that the government doesn't care about you beyond your vote. Take care of yourself. Expanding the mandate of universal health care in Canada would be absolutely catestrophic. Public health care already kills hundreds every year in Canada and people suffer horrendously under the outdated socialist system.

Making it a bigger system certainly isn't the direction progressive countries are going. Canada, and the NDP in particular, seem to want to regress.

[GreenWhiteandPink]

Private health companies will not insure clients with existing health problems (ie diabetes, herat conditions etc), thus a need exist for coverage for individual who cannot get coverage in the private system.

Alberta has Drug Coveragefor Seniors. If you are a senior 65 years of age or older, you may get help with the costs of prescription drugs for you and your dependants under the Coverage for Seniors plan.

Most other province have some sort of pharacare plan.

[Topaz]

Another thought on this drug plan is that the "Natural" medicine should be more part of our healthcare. I know people who can't take drugs that are covered under their provincial healthcare system but can heal under the natural medications but isn't covered.

[geoffrey]

Private health companies will not insure clients with existing health problems (ie diabetes, herat conditions etc), thus a need exist for coverage for individual who cannot get coverage in the private system.

That's untrue. My dad has private coverage after his heart attack no problem. I know a few with diabetes that are covered no problem. Without exemptions too.

Alberta has Drug Coveragefor Seniors. If you are a senior 65 years of age or older, you may get help with the costs of prescription drugs for you and your dependants under the Coverage for Seniors plan.

Another age discrimination thing, but you are right. People over 65 get money. What else is new?

Most other province have some sort of pharacare plan.

Then why have to have a national strategy. Anything from Ottawa ends up in miles of red tape, Federal control over provincial jurisdiction and money and not to mention sub standard service provision... each and every time.

Another thought on this drug plan is that the "Natural" medicine should be more part of our healthcare. I know people who can't take drugs that are covered under their provincial healthcare system but can heal under the natural medications but isn't covered.

If it's been scientifically proven, ok, but I'm not paying someone to drop LSD just because they think it might work or read it on the internet.

Red wine is good for the heart, are you going to pay my liquor bill for my preventative treatment?

Or how about pay for my bike(s) for that preventative heart treatment as I'm at extremely high risk for heart disease when I get older.

[GreenWhiteandPink]

Insurance can't cut off your coverage once you are subscriber, but they won't insure AFTER you get sick.

[geoffrey]

Insurance can't cut off your coverage once you are subscriber, but they won't insure AFTER you get sick.

He changed plans when he switched employers after. No issues.

[GreenWhiteandPink]

That's a totally different situation, with Employer/Government Public Service health plans the insurance company cannot refuse to cover a new employee regardless of their health history, that is one of the conditions the insurance company must agree to when they bid/sign a contract to provide the same. They have to accept all new employees.

[geoffrey]

That's a totally different situation, with Employer/Government Public Service health plans the insurance company cannot refuse to cover a new employee regardless of their health history, that is one of the conditions the insurance company must agree to when they bid/sign a contract to provide the same. They have to accept all new employees.

So what's the issue again? Why should I be funding everyone's prescriptions?

[Michael Bluth]

So what's the issue again? Why should I be funding everyone's prescriptions?

Because it's not your money. It's the government's money.

[geoffrey]

Because it's not your money. It's the government's money.

Oh right. How I forgot that I had to look after every single Canadian in Canada because everyone is too incapable of doing anything for themselves!

Don't worry though, the government is much better than us as individuals and knows what we want more than we do ourselves!

It will all work out. We should governmentalise other essiential services too, like grocery stores, car dealerships, Ikeas... pretty much everything!

I mean, God forbid someone has a choice in Canada! That's outrageously "American" to have choices! Must be terrible.

[Michael Bluth]

I mean, God forbid someone has a choice in Canada! That's outrageously "American" to have choices! Must be terrible.

Now I get why you said you would consider voting Liberal under the leadership of Gerard Kennedy.

[gc1765]

I mean, God forbid someone has a choice in Canada! That's outrageously "American" to have choices! Must be terrible.

I guess that makes you "pro-choice"

Just kidding

[geoffrey]

I mean, God forbid someone has a choice in Canada! That's outrageously "American" to have choices! Must be terrible.

I guess that makes you "pro-choice"

Yup. Up until it harms another individual anyways.

[fellowtraveller]

Insurance can't cut off your coverage once you are subscriber, but they won't insure AFTER you get sick.

Sure they will.

My wifes plan covers my family comprehensively and they have yet to ask a single question about any of us other than names and birthdates. And they pay very very promptly, their administration (Blue Cross) makes the government look laughable.

In any case, there is no need for federal involvement. Why? Because health care services remains a provincial responsibility. If a province chooses to spend their dough on pills instead of other services, they can answer any questions their residents may have about priorities.

[M.Dancer]

Apparently, Layton has been asked by alot of people about a universal drug plan and I for one am for it. Drugs do cost and with jobs not paying alot people do need help with their health. There's 1.3 million Canadians without a drug plan and alot have to leave their medication at the drug store. One guy said he pays $400.00 for private drug plan but his medication cost $800 monthly. He also said he had to stop taking his heart medication because he had to pay for his mortgage, which he said he'll probably lose his house. I know the new drugs to fight cancer can cost up to $2500. Your thoughts?

Shocking to hear that *gasp* 10% HAVE NO PLAN!!!

My thoughts? If a guy pays 400 for his plan and his medication costs 800 monthly, I say her is doing well....

Pharmaceuticals are already cheaper here than in the US and they are a tax deduction. If you are dirt poor they are 100% free......given that there is no such thing as a free lunch, I would say Taliban Jack is scrambling to find an issue that Canadians won't despise him for espousing......btw, no coincidence in my mind that layton should fish with this issue now that Michael Moore has a new movie out.....Layton's only hope is Canadians confuse the US for here..........

[Canuck E Stan]

I would say Taliban Jack is scrambling to find an issue that Canadians won't despise him for espousing......btw, no coincidence in my mind that layton should fish with this issue now that Michael Moore has a new movie out.....Layton's only hope is Canadians confuse the US for here..........

Thanks to the CMA chief,Good ole Taliban Jack's medical history has resurfaced along with his buddy Buzz.

CMA chief slams hypocrisy on private care

Canada's top doctor singled out New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton yesterday for "hypocrisy" for undergoing hernia treatment at a private Toronto medical clinic.

But Dr. Brian Day, president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association, was quick to note Mr. Layton is in good company.

Former prime ministers Paul Martin, Jean Chrtien and Joe Clark have also been treated at private medical clinics, Dr. Day told the annual meeting of the Canadian Science Writers' Association.

And he claims union leader Buzz Hargrove, president of the Canadian Auto Workers, proved a master at "queue jumping" when he got in for an MRI within 24 hours of injuring his leg.

"Even I couldn't do that," said Dr. Day, the outspoken and media savvy orthopedic surgeon who takes over in August as president of the CMA, which represents 62,000 physicians across Canada.

Is this part of the Politician's hypocrites Oath?

[cowtown]

just yet more benefit for the have not provinces at the expense of the have provinces.

Why doesn't Alberta have such a plan for Albertans? Can Alberta not afford it?

British Columbia has a Pharmacare plan for British Columbians.

Alberta does have a plan similar to this.

Alberta Health & Wellness

Its not widely advertised, but the service is there.

[GreenWhiteandPink]

Insurance can't cut off your coverage once you are subscriber, but they won't insure AFTER you get sick.

Sure they will.

My wifes plan covers my family comprehensively and they have yet to ask a single question about any of us other than names and birthdates. And they pay very very promptly, their administration (Blue Cross) makes the government look laughable.

In any case, there is no need for federal involvement. Why? Because health care services remains a provincial responsibility. If a province chooses to spend their dough on pills instead of other services, they can answer any questions their residents may have about priorities.

If your wife's plan through her employer?

If not they will ask questions, and they will not insure prople if they are deemed or be a liability (longhealth history, health problems etc.), unless you want to pay $1000's a month for coverage.

I also have had converage with Blue Cross through my employeer, I and most of of my coworkers found their service to be poor.

[fellowtraveller]

I also have had converage with Blue Cross through my employeer, I and most of of my coworkers found their service to be poor.

Dental and drug claims are made online, there is zero paperwork. The funds are deposited in my account the same day or next at latest. Unbeatable.

I noticed you did not address my point about the delivery of health care services being a provincial reposnsibility. Nothing prevents any province from providing any level of pharmacare right now. They also have the authority and will to impose taxes to pay for it, right now.

So take it up with your MLA.