Three years after hearing an election promise, New Brunswick residents in need of expensive prescription drugs say they are tired of waiting for help.
The New Brunswick government hinted on Tuesday that a catastrophic drug plan may be coming soon, but critics say the program should already be in place.
Successive New Brunswick governments have promised a catastrophic drug program. Earlier this spring, Prince Edward Island became the ninth Canadian province to introduce such a plan, leaving New Brunswick as the only province without a plan.
Maryann Moore is a multiple sclerosis patient. Her mobility has dramatically improved over the past year with the help of some prescription drugs.
“I’m walking better and going farther and able to go out for an evening,” says Moore.
However, the prescription drugs that work so well cost Moore $600 a month out-of-pocket.
Moore has been lobbying the New Brunswick government to cover expensive drugs for years.
“They’re thinking, ‘oh, she’ll go away,’” says Moore. “I’m not going to go away. It is too important. I know of a couple of people who have tried this drug and it’s worked, but because of the price, they can’t remain on it.”
Moore also worries about others who are facing large bills – in some cases, as much as thousands of dollars a month - for expensive cancer drugs.
She looks forward to the day when New Brunswick residents will have the same plan as their Maritime counterparts.
“I was thrilled for them. I sent a letter to my friends in P.E.I, ‘way to go guys, maybe we’ll be next. Oh, we have to be, we’re the only ones left,’” says Moore.
Until now, the Tory government has taken a cautious approach, insisting a drug plan will come before the end of its mandate, which is about a year from now.
When questioned on May 13, New Brunswick Health Minister Ted Flemming said he didn’t want to rush to put a plan in place.
“You can charge out and put some half-baked system because you’re reacting to political pressure, saying ‘we’ve got to do this fast’ and then find out it is a $150 million boondoggle,” said Flemming in May.
Flemming now says at least part of the New Brunswick plan may be introduced as early as the fall. However, Moore remains skeptical.
“They haven’t done it yet. They promised to do it, it’s not done,” says Moore.
Moore says many are tired of waiting, saying too many can’t afford drugs that save lives, or dramatically improve quality of life.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
