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Ontario has been the site of duelling pharmacare proposals – and Canadians are the victors.

At the end of April, the opposition NDP promised universal drug coverage for a list of essential medicines. Not to be outdone, the ruling Liberal party announced universal coverage for all drugs on the provincial formulary for youth under 25 years of age.

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Finally, policymakers are beginning to understand that access to medicines should be a universal health benefit enjoyed by all, and not a private benefit offered as a privilege by employers to employees.

However, some pundits criticized both proposals because they felt “universality” – prescription drug coverage provided to everyone, regardless of income – is unfair to those who are economically disadvantaged. “Why spend health care money on free drugs for the sons and daughters of millionaires?” goes the argument.

The answer is simple: universality is more equitable and more efficient. Here’s why.