HSCI 305 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Generic Drug, Tax Deduction, Health Canada
6 May 2015
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Document Summary
Much like health care in us, insurance for medications is predominantly employment. Leaves millions without adequate or any drug coverage. Wide variation in coverage, payment and conditions between provinces. Small, atlantic provinces more like to pay out-of-pocket. 29% public in new brunswick 49% public in manitoba. People with low income spend up to 7x as much of their incomes on pharmaceuticals. Huge contributor to overall health inequities by income group. Women less likely to be covered at work. 39% public & 61% private share of total drug expenditure in canada, 2011; 85% public. 2nd largest share of health expenditures, after hospitals. 2nd highest oecd level of total drug expenditure per capita after us. Companies then receive tax deduction for this health insurance cost. Public tax pool reduced by an estimated million dollars 10% of total private plan costs is tax-payer money in disguise. This money could be dedicated to universal insurance instead!
