Published in The Telegraph Journal on December 12, 2009

We deserve same drug coverage

I imagine that most people reading the article about the state of catastrophic drug coverage in New Brunswick are thinking, "that poor person, how terrible." We don't believe it could be us.

The truth is it can happen to anyone living in this province. Even if you are fortunate and have health insurance through an employer it is only available as long as you are working.

Get laid off, decide to retire a few years before you turn 65 or become disabled and unable to work, you had better hope and pray that you don't require a life-saving medication because in New Brunswick, there is no assistance. I have been on a medication for 10 years that costs $20,000 a year. Without this drug I would have been in a long-term care facility 10 years ago. I think the price tag for my care in an institution would total far more than the $20,000 now paid for by my insurance company, not the government. Every other province in Canada, except New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island has made provisions for their residents when they need medications, Do people in New Brunswick deserve less than other Canadians?

LINDA WILHELM
Midland