The ethical case for providing cost-free access to lifesaving HIV medications in Canada: Implications of a qualitative study

Antiretroviral therapy for HIV can be expensive if paid for out of pocket. In Canada, there are a variety of federal, provincial, and private prescription drug plans that lower the cost of these lifesaving medications for people living with HIV, and in some cases, these plans result in cost-free acc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Healthcare Management Forum 2016-11, Vol.29 (6), p.255-259
Main Authors: Kaposy, Chris, Greenspan, Nicole R., Marshall, Zack, Allison, Jill, Marshall, Shelley, Kitson, Cynthia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-HIV Agents - economics
Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use
Canada
Costs and Cost Analysis
Deductibles and Coinsurance
Health administration
Health Services Accessibility
HIV Infections - drug therapy
Humans
National Health Programs
Qualitative Research
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Summary:Antiretroviral therapy for HIV can be expensive if paid for out of pocket. In Canada, there are a variety of federal, provincial, and private prescription drug plans that lower the cost of these lifesaving medications for people living with HIV, and in some cases, these plans result in cost-free access. However, many people living with HIV must contend with high deductibles for their antiretroviral therapies, and many experience difficulty managing the administrative requirements of their drug plans. This article comments on some of the results of a qualitative study into ethical issues in HIV care. Access to antiretrovirals was a theme that emerged in this study. We argue on ethical grounds that provincial drug plans should guarantee cost-free access to antiretroviral therapies for people living with HIV with minimal administrative requirements.
ISSN:0840-4704
2352-3883
DOI:10.1177/0840470416660569