The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has responded to “confusing” remarks made by federal Health Minister Mark Holland regarding the future of Canada’s pharmacare program.
In a statement issued by CLHIA president and chief executive Stephen Frank (pictured), the association expressed concern over the minister’s recent declarations suggesting the program would be entirely publicly funded and administered, without any role for private insurers.
Frank emphasized that the pronouncements differ from earlier statements made by Holland.
“The Minister’s latest comments directly contradict his testimony before both the House and Senate committees where the Minister went so far as to call concerns that Bill C-64 would eliminate private coverage ‘misinformation’,” said Frank.
He pointed out that only last week, Holland had told senators that Canadians “will have a choice between using private insurance and using a single-payer, universal model.” According to the CLHIA CEO, the conflicting statements highlight the need for greater clarity and potential revisions to the bill.
Frank also warned about the potential consequences of Bill C-64, stating that its full implications remain uncertain.
“The full impact of Bill C-64 remains unknown, and 27 million working Canadians cannot afford for games to be played with the benefits that they rely on to keep their families healthy,” he asserted.
The CLHIA maintains that Canadians must have access to prescribed medications, whether through public or private plans, and is urging the government to ensure Bill C-64 is thoroughly examined and refined before moving forward.
According to the association, it’s crucial that Canadians are assured their current private coverage will not be disrupted by the new legislation.
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