CLHIA welcomes New Brunswick’s announcement on prescription limits for drugs with strong supplies

News Release

(Toronto, April 24, 2020) - On behalf of its member insurers, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) is welcoming the steps taken by the Government of New Brunswick to relax the 30 day limit for prescription drugs where shortages do not exist.

The industry appreciates Premier Higgs’ and his government’s readiness to work with stakeholders in the pharmacy and insurance sectors as well as employers and others to find a sensible solution to a complex issue.

Advice to limit prescription refills to 30 days was adopted by pharmacy and medical professional bodies earlier in the crisis as a temporary measure to protect the drug supply. Health insurers understand the concerns, particularly of seniors, of the costs and inconvenience that go along with more frequent refills of their medications.

CLHIA believes the measures announced in agreement with the province’s pharmacists will keep drugs affordable for individuals and employers while also protecting the country’s drug supply during this difficult time.

Quote:

“Health insurers support and appreciate the steps taken by the Government of New Brunswick to work with all stakeholders on this complex issue. We look forward to working with the government and pharmacists on future steps to continue to protect the drug supply in Canada.”

– Stephen Frank, President and CEO, Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association

About the CLHIA

The CLHIA is a voluntary association whose member companies account for 99 per cent of Canada's life and health insurance business. The industry provides a wide range of financial security products such as life insurance, annuities (including RRSPs, RRIFs and pensions) and supplementary health insurance to almost 29 million Canadians. It also holds over $850 billion in assets in Canada and employs more than 156,000 Canadians.


For more information:

Kevin Dorse
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
(613) 691-6001 / kdorse@clhia.ca