Drug costs are one of the fastest growing expenditures in the Canadian healthcare system, and are a significant cause for concern in relation to the sustainability of public drug programs across Canada. Increases in drug costs are associated with both higher overall drug use as well as a growing number of high-cost drug therapies being approved for use. These two factors have led to a small number of public drug program beneficiaries accounting for a large proportion of total annual drug program spending.
This study describes the characteristics of these high drug-cost beneficiaries in 9 provinces across Canada, to inform current planning around national drug strategies.
Access the full article and associated resources:
