NDP, Liberals Reach Deal on Pharmacare—Here’s a Look at What It Covers

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Nov. 14, 2019. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The NDP has reached an agreement with the Liberal government on the national pharmacare program that was a crucial component of the two parties’ supply-and-confidence agreement.

The agreement, which also included dental care legislation as demanded by the NDP, provided the Liberals’ minority government with assurance of votes of confidence on crucial legislation so it can continue to govern.

Full details of the agreed-upon pharmacare bill haven’t yet been released, but the NDP has publicly spoken about some of what will be included.

The bill provides full coverage for contraceptives, matching what is offered by the British Columbia government, including birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception. It also includes coverage for insulin and additional diabetes medications for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, prioritizing generic drugs.

However, the bill excludes coverage for Ozempic, a diabetes medication often used off-label for weight loss.

The bill also establishes a fund to assist provinces in covering the costs of insulin pumps for diabetes patients.

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Following the announcement of the deal, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the upcoming legislation will provide “medicine you need with your health card, not a credit card.”

“Now, millions of Canadians will save money and have better health,” Mr. Singh said on social media on Feb. 23. “Thank you to all the advocates who helped us make this historic step.”

Reacting to the news, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre took issue with the NDP maintaining its supply-and-confidence agreement to keep the Liberals in power.

“Singh agrees to keep Trudeau in power, doubling housing costs, quadrupling the carbon tax & wasting money on ArriveScammers,” he said on social media on Feb. 23.  “Not worth the cost.”

The Liberals originally agreed to pass pharmacare legislation by the end of 2023, but negotiations over the contents fell through and the parties agreed to extend the deadline to March 1. The agreement was reached with just one week left in the extension.

The bill is expected to be tabled next week.

Previously Announced Dental Care Program

The government previously announced a new Federal Dental Care Plan as part of its deal with the NDP. The plan will make 9 million uninsured Canadians eligible for dental care. It extends to those with a household income under $90,000, introducing a co-pay system based on household income levels.

The plan will be implemented in stages over the next few months, with eligibility for seniors 87 years and above starting in December 2023 and for those 77 to 86 years old starting last month. The process for those aged 72 to 76 began in February, while those 70 to 71 can seek coverage in March.

Individuals who are 65 and older will gain access to an online application portal in May 2024. In June 2024, the government will start accepting applications from Canadians holding a valid disability tax credit certificate and for children under 18 years of age.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates that the program will cost $10.1 billion over five years.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.