Most popular health-related articles of 2024

The Insurance Portal invites you to read or re-read our ten most popular articles on health-related benefits, services or issues from 2024. 

• Pharmacare Act passes third reading in House of Commons 

The Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association stated that the passage of Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, in its current form, disrupted workplace benefits plans. 

• Last province in Canada implements biosimilar switching policy 

A national association for the biosimilar medicines industry, is drawing attention to the recent implementation of a new biosimilars switching policy in Manitoba. 

• Insurers’ association advocates for retaining employer control over benefits 

The Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association has created an overview of the different absence mechanisms and benefits available to those in Ontario who require time off work.

• Increases in the cost of public healthcare outpace income growth 

A new report states that many Canadians misunderstand the true costs of public healthcare. This is due to the lack of direct expenses for using the healthcare system and the tax system’s complexity, which obscures individual contributions. 

• Association warns that expanded roles for pharmacists should not pressure group plans 

Support for expanding pharmacists' responsibilities in Ontario comes with concerns about avoiding added strain on group insurance benefits plans. 

• National pharmacare: little consideration for insurers' contributions 

During the debate in the Commons regarding Bill C-64, aimed at establishing a national pharmacare plan, the legislation advanced to its second reading in Ottawa with minimal discussion about the exclusion of private insurers from the single-payer program. 

• Ozempic: New indications and off-label prescribing pressure insurance plans 

A new series of four intelligence memos examines Ozempic and related diabetes medications, which are increasingly prescribed for weight loss and other on- and off-label uses.

• Canadian Medical Association drafts policy for balancing public and private health care 

A draft policy paper calls for continued prohibition or strict limits on private insurance for services covered under the Canada Health Act. 

• Managers struggle to handle team emotions amidst change and uncertainty 

Despite improvement, the mental health of Canadian workers remains very strained, according to TELUS Health. The report shows that 32 per cent of workers are at high risk of mental health issues.

• Novo Nordisk's new anti-obesity drug spurs high demand 

Wegovy, an anti-obesity medication approved by Health Canada in 2021, hit the Canadian market on May 6, 2024, and has since seen a surge in demand, according to some insurers. Others remain hesitant to comment on the trend.