What Effects do Provincial Drug Plan Coverage Policies for New Drugs have on Patterns of Use and Cost?

Concern over the cost and appropriate use of new drugs has led provinces to look at various policies for drug coverage under provincial drug plans. While some drugs are covered as a general benefit, and will be routinely paid for, others are covered only when information is provided to demonstrate use in specific clinical situations.

This study examined the use of two new classes of drugs – cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors and atypical neuroleptics – prescribed to persons aged 65 years and older under different drug coverage policies in Ontario and British Columbia.