Several multiple sclerosis drugs covered by Pharmacare in every province except B.C.
When Deborah Stefanek was 38 years old, the mother of four from Kimberley, B.C. was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
That was in 2018, and she hoped a healthy lifestyle would enable her to stay off medication. She changed her diet and started an exercise routine. But after an MRI last fall showed her disease is progressing, Stefanek’s neurologist recommended she begin taking a new medication called Kisempta.
The drug’s manufacturer agreed to temporarily provide the medication free of charge while Stefanek looked into coverage through Pharmacare and private insurance.
“And it came back that my husband’s insurance would only cover 45 per cent of the cost of Kesimpta, which would mean we would have to pay $19,000 out of pocket, because B.C. Pharmacare doesn’t cover it,” said Stefanek.
She was shocked to learn every province in Canada covers Kisempta under their Pharmacare plans except B.C. It’s the same situation for a similar drug called Ocrevus. Stefanek’s friend Andrea Rollheiser, who also has RRMS, was told by her neurologist that Ocrevus is the best drug for her, but it too isn’t covered by B.C. Pharmacare.
The province’s health critic Shirley Bond says that’s unacceptable.
“As patients in British Columbians look across the country, British Columbia is an island on this issue unto itself. And it very hard for people to understand why other jurisdictions, including the one next door to us, can figure out how to cover these drugs,” said Bond, who believes it’s all about cost.
Roche Canada, the maker of Ocrevus, is hoping the B.C. government will reverse course and cover both drugs, which are approved by Health Canada and have been proven to reduce the number and severity of MS relapses.
“All of the other provincial governments have made the decision to make this medicine available, they felt it was a valuable medicine for those living with MS in thier province. And we are equally hopeful that we can have a discussion with the government of British Columbia so that a similar decision can be made,” said Roche Canada president and CEO Brigitte Nolet.
Bond says the opposition will continue to push the government to reconsider its decision on Kesimpta and Ocrevus. And she hopes patients keep speaking out.
“I think it is important for people to speak up and remind the government, and certainly we are doing that as well, that other jurisdictions have figured this out, have approved it. And MS patients, particularly those that suffer from relapse, are being treated differently in B.C. than the rest of the country,” said Bond.
Stefanek says with the bridge financing from the drug company now over, she can only remain on Kestimpa if it’s covered by Pharmacare.
“As it stands right now, we cannot afford that $19,000. So currently, I’m not on the medication,” she said.
And that has her worried she’s at risk for relapse, which could leave her bedridden and unable to care for her kids.
“I need to keep moving, being able to support them and provide for them,” Stefanek said. “If I’m sick, I’m no good to anybody.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.