GreenShield Canada announced July 13 that it has launched a new program to provide prescription drug coverage to underserved communities – those living in Ontario with low incomes and no access to prescription drug coverage.
The GreenShield Caress Essential Medicines program, they say meets the needs of nearly 1-million Ontario residents who do not have access to prescription drug coverage. Calling the program the first of its kind, GreenShield piloted the program in partnership with the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre and the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre.
“More than 97 per cent of Canadians have some form of coverage for essential medicines, which is why GreenShield Cares Essential Medicines program is a solution designed to fill the gap for the 1-million without coverage,” they state.
“GreenShield is uniquely poised to fulfill this need as Canada’s first and only payer-provider. As a payer, GreenShield has a long history of offering insurance, administering benefits and paying claims. Now, as a provider, GreenShield is a Canadian healthcare leader delivering programs such as mental health therapy to telemedicine to clinical pharmacy services and more. For this program, GreenShield Health’s digital pharmacy, The Health Depot, will dispense and deliver essential medicines at no cost. This way, GreenShield can both pay for and provide the solution.”
The company’s president and CEO, Zahid Salman calls the company a not-for-profit social enterprise.
“Historically, the company advanced its social mission of championing better health for all through the excess of earnings the business generates. Now, in addition to its longstanding financial contribution, GreenShield can directly deliver care through its provider services to communities in need.”
