Why Canadian employers waste $5 billion a year on inefficient drug coverage

Employers in Canada spend an estimated five billion dollars a year on drug coverage for their employees. Yet, private plans are notoriously inefficient and they often cover higher priced drugs that are not necessarily better for consumers’ health, explains Alan Cassels. No wonder calls for a national pharmacare program are growing. Such a system would be more efficient, restrict the coverage of drugs that are not of good value and it would drive the price of drugs down, adds Alan Cassels. Alan Cassels is a Drug Policy Researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Human and Social Development at the University of Victoria. Interview by Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, journalist intern at EvidenceNetwork.ca, and journalist with Radio-Canada. The Evidence Network of Canadian Health Policy, commonly known as EvidenceNetwork.ca, is a Canadian healthcare resource designed with the needs of journalists in mind. The project links journalists with health policy experts to provide access to credible, evidence-based information. We also create original OpEds, articles, podcasts, infographics, posters and videos on health policy topics for publication in the mainstream media. www.evidencenetwork.ca