Research > Medication coverage policies

Project 8: Medication coverage policy
(Project Lead: I. Sketris)

Background:  Strategies individuals employ to reduce their expenditures on drug therapy when their ability to pay becomes an issue include not filling certain prescriptions, decreasing the daily dose, lengthening the time between renewing prescriptions, and using free samples. These issues are of particular concern for those who do not qualify for a public drug insurance program, or whose co-payments are large and affect affordability.

Objectives: To provide the context to inform the development of future health and social policies regarding equitable access to essential medications for those living with HIV/AIDS and/or HCV.

Methods: In-depth interviews and focus groups will take place with a diverse sample of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and/or HCV from the four Atlantic provinces to explore their perceptions and experiences of access to affordable medications. Behavioral strategies utilized by these individuals when needed medications are not seen as affordable will be explored. Interviews will also take place with a sample of physicians caring for patients with HIV and/or HCV to understand how patient’s ability to pay for medications impact physician behavior, including prescribing patterns.

Cross Fertilization: This information would be of interest to the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission AIDS, the Department of Pharmacy Industry at the Provincial Ministry, and the Primary Care Group of the Nova Scotia Ministry of Health, as Canada continues to move forward in the development of catastrophic drug coverage policy.

Funding Strategy: AIRN seed funds will be used to collaborate with community and government partners, and to develop the project. Funding for the study will be sought from an external agency such as CHSRF.