Alberta government changing drug coverage for 26,000 patients, expects to save up to $380M
The Alberta government is changing its drug coverage for more than 26,000 patients, including those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Health Minister Tyler Shandro says over the next six months patients on government-sponsored drug plans being treated with biologics must switch to biosimilars.
He notes biosimilars are up to half the cost, while being deemed just as effective by Health Canada.
Shandro says Alberta is following the lead of British Columbia and Manitoba in making the switch and expects to save up to $380 million over the next four years, with more savings after that as more similar drugs come on the market.