Provincial government drug plans have long insisted they will fund only generics, if available, and some private plans recently started doing the same. Critics say they convince people to opt for a higher-priced brand-name medication when generics have been proven just as effective, and often leave private drug plans picking up the hefty dollar difference. Pharmaceutical companies tout the “co-payment” product as a way to give customers more choice in how their prescriptions are filled. Marketing innoviCares with a spokeswoman whose role is ambiguous — or not disclosed at all — makes it worse, they charge. Le May Doan was not available but spokeswoman Tara Wickwire said the former Olympian is “passionate about educating Canadians” on the choices of prescription medication available to them.

Source: National Post June 02, 2016 00:33 UTC