An Act respecting pharmacare

Bill C-64 proposes to provide universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for a range of contraception and diabetes medications as the first phase of national universal pharmacare. The aim of the program is to expand and enhance, rather than replace, existing provincial and territorial coverage.

The PBO estimates that the first phase of national universal pharmacare will increase federal program spending by $1.9 billion over five years. This estimate assumes that any medications that are currently covered by provincial and territorial governments, as well as private insurance providers will remain covered on the same terms.