PHARMACARE STRENGTHENED
WITH ADDITION OF 227 NEW MEDICATIONS
- - -
Province Lowering Cost for Families
Dealing with Chronic Conditions: Minister Selby
Manitoba's pharmacare program has been expanded and
enhanced, providing more affordability for families dealing with a number of
health issues, Health Minister Erin Selby said today.
An additional 227 new drugs have been added to treat
illnesses and chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis and blood
clots.
"We're making it more affordable for families to get
the medication they need to treat their conditions and live their lives to the
fullest," said Minister Selby.
"We don't want the barrier of medication costs to affect families
and we know these new additions will make a real difference for many
families."
Some of the new drugs added to the formulary include:
* the Asmanex Twisthaler for the treatment of asthma,
* a new brand of Heparin for the preventative treatment
of blood clots,
* the NovoRapid FlexTouch for the treatment of diabetes,
* Seebri for the treatment of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease,
* Zenhale for the treatment of asthma,
* Humira for the treatment of a specific type of juvenile
arthritis, and
* Rituxan for the treatment of specific types of blood
vessel inflammation.
Of the 227 drugs added, 212 are generic medications. The minister noted these additions are
expected to save Manitoba families $4.5 million next year. Coverage for the new drugs began on Jan. 23.
Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription
drug program for any Manitoban with benefits based on family income. It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs
once the income-based deductible is reached, regardless of medical condition or
age.
Over the last 12 years, approximately 3,500 new drugs
including those that treat influenza, reduce the risk of heart attack, treat
severe eczema and for the treatment of HIV have been added to Manitoba's
world-class pharmacare program.
For more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.