Ontario’s Ministry of Finance is consulting on the role of preferred pharmacy networks (PPN) in Ontario’s employer-sponsored drug insurance industry following pushback from patient groups and industry associations.

For the insurance companies entering into these contractual agreements that allow only specific pharmacies to provide services to members, the argument is that it will lower costs. However, there are concerns that PPNs disrupt care and jeopardize patient access.

This session will focus on:

• Defining the role of preferred pharmacy networks
• Understanding the different network designs
• Weighing the pros and cons of PPNs
• Assessing the impact on patient access and the overall health system
• Addressing concerns that PPNs are anticompetitive
• Examining current regulations for PPNs in Ontario and the rest of Canada
• Anticipating how the regulatory environment could evolve due to Ontario’s consultation process