CLHIA-ACCAP

9 iv. Prescription Drug Policy • The CLHIA continues to dialogue with all key healthcare stakeholders on the issue of prescription drug reform. A key area of focus is our continued advocacy around allowing private payers to join the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance to jointly negotiate lower drug prices for all Canadians. • Federally, we continue to advocate for reform of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB). The CLHIA has also been granted before the Senate Committee on Human Rights during its hearings on the Bill. We focused on the principle of equal information between the purchaser of insurance and the insurance company, which is the foundation of the insurance system, and stressed that the Bill would be contrary to this principle. We also pointed out that the Bill is not within the constitutional jurisdiction of the federal government. Notwithstanding these and other efforts, the Bill passed third reading on April 14 and was introduced in the House of Commons on May 3. • Throughout the past year, this continued to be a highly visible issue. The CLHIA has continued its efforts to educate stakeholders on the importance of underwriting and the use of genetic tests through speaking engagements and various media outlets. intervener status in the PMPRB Tribunal Hearing into alleged excessive pricing by Alexion, the manufacturer of one of the most expensive drugs in Canada. • An important initiative in 2015 was the establishment of criteria for a common national standard for access to biologic drugs for adult rheumatoid arthritis for individuals with private coverage. This was completed in close collaboration with the Canadian Rheumatology Association as well as all the provincial rheumatology associations. • The CLHIA continues to closely monitor the issue of orphan drugs. Health Canada had planned to publish the regulations for a new orphan drug regime in the spring of 2015. However, this was delayed due to the fall federal election. We hope to see the regulations be published in 2016. The CLHIA continues to USA CAN JPN Canada ranks second highest of G7 in total per capita spending on drugs Board of Directors President's Message Review of the Year's Results Members CLHIA Code of Member Service CLHIA Officers Chair's Message

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