Some people in BC aren't taking their medicine because they can't afford them

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Statistics released this week by the government show 80 per cent of people in BC over the age of 40 end up paying out of pocket for vital medication for heart conditions, while some find it so expensive that they aren’t taking it at all.

NDP Health Critic Judy Darcy says our province’s plan only helps the very lowest income earners. “People on PharmaCare, but especially people who have no coverage at all often make choices. ‘Will I take this prescription or that one? Which one can I not take this week or this month?'”

There have been studies which have found healthcare costs go up when people with chronic conditions are taking their medicine. “The figure is far higher than the heart people not taking heart drugs. We are talking 17 or 18 per cent of people often going without their prescription drugs because they can’t afford them.”

She would like to see more investment in our provincial program so it can reach more people and a push for a national program as well.