About 75 people gathered at the constituency office of MLA Dr. Raj Sherman this afternoon to protest "deficiencies" in the province's proposed senior's pharmaceutical and continuing care strategy.
“The government is proposing to impose a serious increase to drug costs for seniors, moving from a flat rate system to a means test,” said protest organizer David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
“This is a real attack on the principle of universality and really singling seniors out unfairly which, especially in an economic downturn, doesn't seem right.”
Ralliers of all ages shouted “Don't cut seniors out!” and waved signs as cars drove by and honked in support.
Eggen said they chose to picket Sherman's office because he is the Health and Wellness parliamentary secretary. He said he wants to push the message that a universal pharmacy care program is what is needed.
The campaigners plan to rally at the offices of Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Minister Mary Anne Jablonski, and Health and Wellness Minister Ron Liepert.
Under the plan, single seniors with an annual income of $21,325 or less and senior families with an annual income of $42,650 or less receive free drug coverage. Otherwise, they must pay a deductible based on their income.
Sherman, who was out of town for a presentation, said the current plan will help the sickest, most vulnerable people in the province in the lowest income bracket.
“Generally speaking, those of lower income are on more drugs and more expensive drugs, and have more medical problems,” he said, speaking from his experience as an emergency room doctor. “We would admit them, we would fix them up, but they couldn't afford their drugs and would be admitted again.
“This isn't about money, this is about making sure people who really need the drugs are able to get them.”
Sherman acknowledged that the lower-middle class seniors may face some challenges under the new plan. But he said the health minister has publicly announced that he will be taking a second look at the plan and “tightening up” a few things.
clara.ho@sunmedia.ca
“The government is proposing to impose a serious increase to drug costs for seniors, moving from a flat rate system to a means test,” said protest organizer David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
“This is a real attack on the principle of universality and really singling seniors out unfairly which, especially in an economic downturn, doesn't seem right.”
Ralliers of all ages shouted “Don't cut seniors out!” and waved signs as cars drove by and honked in support.
Eggen said they chose to picket Sherman's office because he is the Health and Wellness parliamentary secretary. He said he wants to push the message that a universal pharmacy care program is what is needed.
The campaigners plan to rally at the offices of Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Minister Mary Anne Jablonski, and Health and Wellness Minister Ron Liepert.
Under the plan, single seniors with an annual income of $21,325 or less and senior families with an annual income of $42,650 or less receive free drug coverage. Otherwise, they must pay a deductible based on their income.
Sherman, who was out of town for a presentation, said the current plan will help the sickest, most vulnerable people in the province in the lowest income bracket.
“Generally speaking, those of lower income are on more drugs and more expensive drugs, and have more medical problems,” he said, speaking from his experience as an emergency room doctor. “We would admit them, we would fix them up, but they couldn't afford their drugs and would be admitted again.
“This isn't about money, this is about making sure people who really need the drugs are able to get them.”
Sherman acknowledged that the lower-middle class seniors may face some challenges under the new plan. But he said the health minister has publicly announced that he will be taking a second look at the plan and “tightening up” a few things.
clara.ho@sunmedia.ca
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