Income-Based Drug Coverage in British Columbia: Lessons for BC and the Rest of Canada

摘要

Background:In May 2003, the government of British Columbia adopted income-based pharmacare, replacing an age-based drug benefits program. Stated policy goals included reducing government spending, maintaining or enhancing access to medicines and improving financial equity. The province’s experience on these policy dimensions can inform policy making in other jurisdictions and offers insight into priorities for Canada’s National Pharmaceuticals Strategy.