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Specialty drugs
The development of specialized drugs
has also led to a steep rise in drug costs.
These specialty drugs, while making
up 2% of the total number of claims,
accounted for 31% of prescription
drug costs in 2017, and the costs are
expected to rise further in future years.
13
2017 health
benefits
$34.0B
Ext. health 75%
Disability 21%
Other 4%
Benefits by coverage type
$11.3B
Drugs
$8.1B
Dental
$3.4B
Paramedical*
& vision
Ext. health
$1.8B
Hospital
$0.9B
Travel
*Refers to services and professions, such as
physiotherapy, that supplement and support
medical treatment
The cost of specialty drugs is anticipated
to
reach 40% of prescription drug costs
by 2022*
22% 31% 40%
2012 2017 2022
(estimated)
*Source: Drug Trend Report,
Express Scripts Canada
87%
paid out to
policyholder
as benefits
7%
operating
costs
3%
taxes
3%
profit
The above demonstrates how health premiums are
put to work, providing value to consumers
(5-year average)
Cost-effective health protection
