Prescription drug coverage in Canada: a review of the economic, policy and political considerations for universal pharmacare.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Canadians have long been proud of their universal health insurance system, which publicly funds the cost of physician visits and hospitalizations at the point of care. Prescription drugs however, have been subject to a patchwork of public and private coverage which is frequently inefficient and creates access barriers to necessary medicine for many Canadians.

Methods

A narrative review was undertaken to understand the important economic, policy and political considerations regarding implementation of universal prescription drug access in Canada (pan-Canadian pharmacare). PubMed, SCOPUS and google scholar were searched for relevant citations. Citation trails were followed for additional information sources. Published books, public reports, press releases, policy pa

SUBMITTER: Brandt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6220568 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature