As most of you are aware by now , on March 7 , the Government of Alberta announced its 2013 budget . In that budget , one of the most significant changes brought forth was the announcement of a new PharmaCare program to be implemented January 1 , 2014 . According to the budget documents , the new program will be incomebased and will replace , with a single plan , about a dozen existing government-sponsored drug-benefit programs . The one change that affects our members most is the replacement of the current drug plan for seniors .
Executive Director ’ s Report
Foundations by Daniel Mulloy
“ Living life .. is like building a house , you have to have a solid foundation before you begin to build or your whole structure will come tumbling down .”
— Rashida Rowe
As most of you are aware by now , on March 7 , the Government of Alberta announced its 2013 budget . In that budget , one of the most significant changes brought forth was the announcement of a new PharmaCare program to be implemented January 1 , 2014 . According to the budget documents , the new program will be incomebased and will replace , with a single plan , about a dozen existing government-sponsored drug-benefit programs . The one change that affects our members most is the replacement of the current drug plan for seniors .
It has also been announced that the new program will likely be similar to British Columbia ’ s Fair PharmaCare Plan . Because that program is structured on income-based deductibles , the potential of a like program affecting our members who have fixed incomes , take prescription drugs and who are already in need of medical attention for various agerelated conditions and advanced stages of disease is great . In my opinion , in its essence , the new program is a tax on the sick and aging . While we wait for more information on the structure of the new Pharmacare program , it occurred to me that what the current government is doing to our members and to seniors across Alberta may well be compromising the foundation of trust and equity in health care that has taken decades to build .
In my time with the Alberta Retired Teachers ’ Association , I have been privileged
to work with dedicated professionals who have been steadfast pioneers in building this great province , and who have assisted in developing its supporting programs . ARTA is composed of talented retirees who have paid their fair due , built the communities in which they reside , lobbied for fair programs for the sick and for the less fortunate , and have been fundamental in building the solid foundations of Alberta society . What this current government is doing to our seniors is chipping away at that very foundation , and a house with a failing foundation will most certainly fall .
ARTA has made its position on Pharmacare known , and we have delivered our objections and concerns to the Minister of Health and to leaders of the opposition parties in Alberta . We believe that a government proposing a health care system that turns its back on seniors is not in the best interest of any Albertan . We have let them know that the proposed saving of 180 million dollars will pale in comparison to the increased hospital stays , long care-facility enrollments and overall costs that will be realized with increased health and social issues directly related to the implementation of the proposed program .
I do not ordinarily take a stance on political issues , but this is not just a political issue — this is an issue of respect . I for one do not understand how members of the Alberta government could live with themselves by so blatantly disregarding what seniors have meant to Alberta .
I hope that they take the time to re-evaluate their position on Pharmacare . The current government not only needs to look at ensuring that fair health care is available to everyone , but more importantly , also needs to pay respect to those who have taught , built , and crafted the foundation of Alberta that makes it the best place on earth to live .
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