A new program offers patients the opportunity to take or remain on many trusted brand name drugs, by providing additional coverage for medications, medical devices and health products.
MONTREAL, Jan. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The recent changes in Québec provincial legislation, the elimination of the BAP-15 rule, came into effect on Monday, January 14, 2013. Therefore, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) will no longer fully reimburse about 60 brand drugs that were, up until now, protected by this rule. The RAMQ will thus only reimburse the lowest priced medication, historically meaning the generic alternative.
Many Quebecers insured through public or private drug plans who are prescribed brand name drugs were left with only two options, to be switched to the generic alternative or pay the difference. The innoviCares program provides patients with a new option, to continue their treatment on many brand name medications that they know and trust, without the burden of additional costs.
"Beyond the price factor, with time, many patients gain a sense of security and confidence with their medical treatment," explains Denis Tanguay, Pharmacist and President of Cliniconcept inc. "With the elimination of the rule that protects certain brand drug patents for a 15-year period in Québec, the launch of the innoviCares program comes as great news for those who wish to continue using many of the medications their doctors prescribed and that they know and are comfortable with."
Quebecers can now obtain, at no cost, a patient benefit card on the innovicares.ca website. The innoviCares card is designed to cover a portion of the drug cost. The patient simply needs to present his or her card along with their prescription each time they visit their pharmacy to have a prescription filled.
"By joining innoviCares, a free patient benefit program, many of those affected by the new drug reimbursement terms will be able to make informed decisions about their available options," said Mr. Oliver Nemeskéri, Vice-President of Operations at STI Technologies Limited, a Canadian healthcare IT company, which manages the innoviCares program. "The innoviCares card currently covers dozens of medications used by Quebecers everyday, with new products being continuously added. A complete list of medications can be found on our innoviCares website."
How can patients join InnoviCares?
When visiting innovicares.ca, patients can instantly download an innoviCares card. The card will be immediately activated and ready for use in all Québec pharmacies. Patients will also receive a welcome package in the mail along with a personalized benefit card and the terms of use.
About STI Technologies Limited
STI Technologies Limited is one of the largest transactional marketing companies in Canada and a supplier of innovative solutions for the country's healthcare market. Active in Québec for the past 10 years, this private company revolutionized the way pharmaceutical companies manage sample distribution by involving pharmacies in the process. More specifically, STI developed a card that bridges the four distinct worlds of the pharma, physicians, patients and pharmacy, and offers choice and affordable access to medications.
SOURCE: STI Technologies Limited
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