'We're focused on fairness': Federal government to cover the costs of contraception, diabetes medications

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Truro, N.S., Friday to announce the federal government will cover the costs of contraception and diabetes medications for Canadians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Truro, N.S., Friday to announce the federal government will cover the costs of contraception and diabetes medications for Canadians.

The move is part of the first phase of a national pharmacare plan, which the government introduced in February. C-64, the Pharmacare Act, outlined the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada, with the intent to provide “universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraceptives and diabetes medications.”

“We’re focused on fairness for every generation,” said Trudeau.

“Making sure everyone has access to the care they need and protecting the integrity of universal health care in Canada by standing up to those who want to privatize it.”

Birth control pills, IUDs, and the morning after pill will all be covered, as will diabetes medications like insulin.

“Being pro-choice we believe that women should be free to choose whether, when, and how they plan a family,” said Trudeau.

“Right now, only a fraction of Canadian women are eligible for prescription birth control at low or no-cost through a public drug plan.”