Breathing Room: Why Oxygen Must Be in Canada's National Pharmacare Plan

For millions of Canadians living with chronic lung diseases, every breath is a conscious effort, often made possible only by the continuous flow of oxygen. Yet, this life-sustaining necessity is conspicuously absent from Canada's proposed national pharmacare plan, leaving patients grappling with exorbitant costs and profound anxiety.

A powerful coalition, led by the Lung Health Foundation, is now sounding the alarm, demanding that the federal government recognize oxygen therapy not as a luxury, but as the fundamental medical device it truly is, deserving of national coverage.

Imagine facing a daily battle just to breathe, then confronting a financial burden that can reach thousands of dollars annually simply to stay alive.

This is the harsh reality for countless Canadians managing conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis. While the federal government's Bill C-64 aims to establish a national pharmacare program, its current scope focuses primarily on pharmaceuticals, overlooking essential medical devices like oxygen concentrators, tanks, and related supplies.

This omission creates a gaping hole in coverage, forcing provinces and private insurers to shoulder the cost, often leaving significant out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Mark Johnson, a patient who has endured the financial and emotional toll of living with severe lung disease, encapsulates the crisis perfectly.

For him, oxygen is as vital as the air itself, a constant companion that allows him to maintain a semblance of normal life. He’s not alone; the Lung Health Foundation estimates that over 2.5 million Canadians live with COPD, and a staggering one in five Canadians contends with some form of lung disease.

For these individuals, the cost of oxygen therapy isn't merely a line item in a budget; it's a barrier to essential care, forcing impossible choices between life-saving treatment and other necessities like food or housing.

The argument from advocates is clear and compelling: oxygen isn't a drug you take for a temporary ailment; it’s an indispensable medical device that sustains life for those with chronic, progressive conditions.

It enables patients to remain active, participate in their communities, and maintain their independence, thereby reducing the strain on other parts of the healthcare system, such as emergency room visits and hospitalizations. By excluding oxygen, the national pharmacare plan inadvertently perpetuates a two-tiered system, where access to basic life support is dictated by one's financial status or postal code.

The Lung Health Foundation is not just highlighting a problem; they are proposing a solution.

They urge the federal government to amend Bill C-64 to include medical devices, starting with the immediate and essential inclusion of oxygen. This move would standardize coverage across Canada, ensuring that all eligible patients receive the oxygen they need without crippling debt or the fear of rationing their breaths.

It's a matter of equity, human dignity, and the fundamental right to breathe.

As discussions around national pharmacare continue, the voices of patients and advocates must be heard. Including oxygen therapy is not just about expanding a bill; it's about acknowledging a fundamental human need and providing equitable, accessible care for all Canadians living with lung disease.

It's time to ensure that no one is left gasping for air, both literally and financially.