B. C.’ s Pharmacare program is a model for the nation

Re: One in 10 can’t afford prescriptions, Jan. 17

According to a study by University of B. C. researchers, one in 10 Canadians has not taken prescription medication for cost- related reasons.

People in B. C. are the least likely to take their meds, at a rate of nearly one in five, the study finds.

The authors did not expect that cost- related non- adherence would be highest in B. C. and speculate the finding “might result from that province’s high- deductible public drug plan.” I disagree. This study paints a skewed, unfair picture of B. C.’ s Fair Pharmacare program.

The plan is aptly named, because it is eminently fair to patients. This is because the cost of drugs to the patient is based solely on income, and is designed to be affordable, maxing out at four per cent of income, with an overall cap of $ 10,000 for catastrophic coverage.

In most other provinces Pharmacare programs are aimed mainly at seniors, and some provinces do not differentiate between rich and poor seniors. This leaves anyone under the age of 65 with no coverage at all.

B. C.’ s plan is excellent. It is based on ability to pay, includes everyone, and hopefully is sustainable because it demands co- payment from individuals.

At the same time, the plan reduces the anxiety and dread for those with no private plan because they know that their drugs will never become catastrophically unaffordable.

I think that any nationwide plan should be modelled after B. C.’ s plan. MARILYN BAKER Richmond