On June 12, the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare released its final report which recommends that Canada implement a universal, single-payer, public pharmacare by enacting new legislation and proceeding in a stepwise approach to implementation. The 2019 Federal Budget announced funding for some of the steps, including the formation of an arms-length national drug agency. Whether the recommendations are implemented will turn in part on the results of the October 21 federal election.
We reported on proposed changes to the OHIP+ program, under which Ontario provided free prescription drug coverage for all children/youth 24 years of age or younger. The changes came into force on April 1 such that only those children/youth that do not have a private plan will remain eligible for OHIP+ benefits.
In February, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care ordered a subsidiary of Costco to pay a $7.25M penalty for accepting generic manufacturer payments, violating the drug rebate prohibition.
The preceding is intended as a timely update on Canadian intellectual property and technology law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.