Canadian Senate Passes Bill for Free Diabetes Medications, Devices, and Birth Control

Oct 11, 2024, 12:16 PM

The federal pharmacare bill, which will cover diabetes medications, devices, and birth-control medications, has officially become law after passing through the Senate without any changes. The bill, a joint effort by the Liberal and NDP parties, aims to provide free prescription contraceptives and diabetes medications to Canadians. Despite opposition from the Conservative Party, the legislation was passed, marking a significant step towards universal public insurance coverage of prescriptions. The bill has received Royal Assent, and Health Minister Mark Holland indicated that the government is on track to strike pharmacare deals with provinces by spring. Senator Frances Lankin described the bill as a necessary first step towards universality in healthcare coverage. The bill also aims to reduce the power of Big Pharma.