July 2021

Revision of the Quebec Drug Insurance plan’s rates on July 1, 2021

Every year on July 1, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) adjusts the rates for the public prescription drug insurance plan to take into account changes in plan costs.

The pandemic's impact

Exceptionally last year, the RAMQ revised its rates twice; however, this year it reverts to its usual adjustment cycle on July 1.

Changes for 2021-2022

The table below presents the changes that apply to all individuals covered under the public plan, with the exception of those who receive prescription drugs free of charge (no premium or contribution):

  • holders of a valid claim slip (generally recipients of last-resort financial assistance)
  • individuals ages 65 or over receiving 94% to 100% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  • children under age 18
  • full-time students ages 18 to 25 who are spouseless and living with their parents
  • individuals ages 65 or older receiving less than 94% of the GIS who are subject to a reduced contribution
Observations

The maximum annual premium saw a robust increase of 7.3%, the largest increase of the past 10 years. As a reminder, despite growing pressure on drug insurance costs, the RAMQ had decided to significantly lower the premium by 7.6% in 2017. Despite this decrease, the maximum annual premium rose by 2.1% year-over-year over the past decade.

A 1.5% increase in the maximum contribution has been noted, while the monthly deductible and co-insurance have remained steady.

We would like to remind you that:

  • The annual premium is the amount paid by an adult when income tax returns are filed in order to be covered by the public plan.
  • The deductible is a fixed amount that constitutes the first portion of the cost that an adult must pay when purchasing covered drugs.
  • The co-insurance is the portion of the drug costs in excess of the deductible that an adult must pay.
  • The maximum contribution is the maximum amount that an adult is required to pay per month and per year to obtain drugs covered by the public plan. This contribution includes the deductible and the co-insurance.
Impact on private group insurance plans

Because private group insurance plans do not typically apply the same parameters or set of cost control measures as the public plan, we do not anticipate a significant financial impact on private plans. However, plans that apply the same parameters as those used by Quebec’s public drug plan may benefit from a slight cost reduction.

For more information about this topic, contact your Normandin Beaudry consultant or email us.

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