THERE ARE FUNDING PROGRAMS IN PLACE THAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT.

Programs like patient choice cards can help Canadians pay for brand-name medications if they and their doctors believe it’s the best choice. These cards can be used when a drug plan forces patients to choose cheaper generic op- tions. Yet 78% percent of survey respondents had never heard of these cards, and fewer than 10% are using them. (A huge majority – 87% – of CARP members said they’d be opposed to the government cancelling these cards.)

We repeatedly heard that CARP members want choice when it comes to the medications they take. The choice may be informed by their healthcare professionals, but, as a majority of you told us, we shouldn’t be steered toward the cheapest options to contain insurers’ costs. As one member wrote, “If a doctor is recommending the drug, who are… the government or an insurance company to dispute that?”

We need to take a firmer stand for more equitable access to drugs. Being informed is an important part of taking control over your own well-being.