Canadian Provincial Drug Reform Overview
Drug reform has swept across Canada with 5 provinces making changes in 2010 and 2011 to the way generic drugs are regulated in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Nova Scotia. The following highlights the key changes to provincial drug regulation:
Ontario
Effective Date:
July, 2010
Generic Pricing:
Public: 25% as of July 1, 2010
Private: 50% as of July 1, 2010, 35% as of July 1, 2011, 25% as of July 1, 2012
Rebating
Eliminated
Agreement
Negotiated with pharmacy
Drugs Included
ODB Formulary
Not Regulated For Private Sector
Pharmacy mark-up, dispensing fees, generic drugs not on ODB formulary
Alberta
Effective Date:
April 1, 2010
Generic Pricing:
Public and Private:
New generics: 45%
Existing generics: 56%
Transitional allowances to mitigate impact for the first 3 years
Rebating
No restrictions
Agreement
Negotiated with pharmacy
Drugs Included
AB Formulary
Not Regulated For Private Sector
Pharmacy mark-up, dispensing fees, generic drugs not on AB formulary
British Columbia
Effective Date:
July 28, 2010
Generic Pricing:
Public and Private:
New generics: 42% as of July 28, 2010, 40% as of July 2011, 35% as of April 2012
Existing generics: 50% as of October 1, 2010, 40% as of July 4, 2011, 36% as of April 2, 2012
Rebating
No restrictions
Agreement
Negotiated with pharmacy
Drugs Included
BC Formulary
Not Regulated For Private Sector
Pharmacy mark-up, dispensing fees, generic drugs not on BC formulary
Quebec
Effective Date:
November 8, 2010
Generic Pricing:
Legislation states: "Best Available Price"
November 2010: Greater of 37.5% of the brand or the best price in Canada
April 2011: Greater of 30% of brand or the best price in Canada
April 2012: Best price in Canada
Rebating
TBD
Agreement
Pharmacy practice
Drugs Included
TBD
Not Regulated For Private Sector
AQPP determines mark-up on behalf of Quebec pharmacies
Nova Scotia
Effective Date:
Summer 2011
Generic Pricing:
TBD
Rebating
TBD
Agreement
TBD
Drugs Included
TBD
Not Regulated For Private Sector
TBD
Category: Legislative Updates
