Manulife walks back on decision to provide specialty drugs "primarily" via Loblaw pharmacies
Less than three weeks after Manulife faced backlash for teaming up with Loblaw to provide specialty drug care, the insurance company has walked back on its decision.
“We feel the relationship with Shoppers Drug Mart/Loblaw Companies is the right next step in the ongoing evolution of Manulife’s’ Specialty Drug Care, a program that is even more important as Canadians deal with ever-increasing complexities and costs associated with the medications they use,” read the insurance company’s initial January 17 announcement addressed to business owners, plan holders, and administrators.
Manulife said that, as of January 22, the Manulife Specialty Drug Care program would be “primarily delivered” through Loblaw pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart.
The Specialty Drug Care program includes medications that are usually expensive and difficult for a patient to administer or store.
This includes drugs meant to treat complex, chronic, or life-threatening conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, osteoporosis, and hepatitis C.
The Canadian Press reported last week that the deal between Manulife and Loblaw will affect around 260 medications.
Canadians slammed the decision on social media and accused the Manulife and Loblaw of being “anti-competitive.”
“Manulife Financial Corp. announced its coverage of certain prescription drugs will only apply at Loblaw Cos. Ltd. pharmacies.”
This is blatantly anti-competitive and needs to be stopped immediately. https://t.co/tVpiqGDnIx
— Nathaniel Arfin (@ArfinNathaniel) January 30, 2024
Under new deal with Manulife, Shoppers Drug Mart owner Loblaw to get monopoly right to dispense certain medicines to those enrolled in Manulife drug benefit plans
Curious who will say anything about this anti-competitive arrangement https://t.co/HS3YqwHy9a
— Tom Parkin (@TomPark1n) January 30, 2024
One X user said, “It will destroy smaller pharmacies.”
https://t.co/yndjSIwUFG Loblaws just keeps trying to use its size monopolize markets. This should be illegal in every province, not just Quebec. Where are our anti-trust laws? If Loblaws and SDM pull this scam off it will destroy smaller pharmacies.
— Captain Dick (@CaptainDick12) January 30, 2024
Canada is a banana republic, but instead of bananas it’s Loblaw’s real estate portfolio. https://t.co/c66UTEM7tj
— Joshua Hind (@joshuahind) January 30, 2024
Will this be extended to other aspects of care once there are Loblaw clinics?
Once again, I’m asking you to proceed with caution before giving greater control of health care to the company that brought us the bread price fixing scandal etc. https://t.co/PF3DGk1Udi
— Dr. Adam Ogieglo (@AOgieglo) January 30, 2024
Others shared their distrust in any business that Loblaw touches.
The Weston empire at @LoblawsCanada who brought us that bread-price-fixing scam join with @Manulife for prescriptions : what could possibly go wrong?
Manulife, Loblaw reach deal on specialty drugs. Why some experts are concerned | https://t.co/kY75acXuhv https://t.co/jsVNTPns0w— David #CeasefireNOW Heap (@DavidHeap) January 30, 2024
As a result, Manulife said on Monday that Canadians can fill their prescriptions at any pharmacy of their choice, with home delivery continuing to be an option.
The update clarified that the Specialty Drug Care program covers “less than 1% of the Canadians we support.”
“We have listened to and are addressing the concerns we have heard over the past week. Though this change impacts only a small number of our members, it helps ensure that all Canadians we support have choice, access, and flexibility in managing their health,” said Naveed Irshad, president and CEO of Manulife Canada.
“We are proud to partner with thousands of pharmacies across the country and contribute to a strong and healthy Canadian healthcare system.”
The decision is reminiscent of a recent Loblaw walk-back.
The grocery giant recently scrapped its 50% discount on expiring items, which outraged Canadian shoppers. The public outcry caused the grocery giant to reconsider this decision and reinstate the discount.
With files from Daily Hive’s Isabelle Docto
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