Government announced a new Multiple Sclerosis Medication Assistance Plan today to assist Islanders with the cost of four new MS drug therapies, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif, and Avonex. Coverage will become effective November 1, 1998.
The new medications are shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks experienced by persons with relapsing-remitting MS.
Premier Binns advised that Cabinet approved funding this week of up to $125,000 for the remainder of this fiscal year, and up to $1 million for the next fiscal year for the new program.
The Premier acknowledged the concerns of many people who waited patiently during the clinical drug trials and while the province developed its assistance plan.
"In a climate of rapidly changing scientific information, we needed to be very thoughtful in our deliberations. Today I am pleased to announce a program that will provide coverage for all four drugs, and one that will provide hope and a better quality of life for Islanders with multiple sclerosis," he said.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that coverage will be provided to Island residents with relapsing-remitting MS on recommendation from a neurologist or another authorized physician.
"While the new drugs unfortunately don't provide a cure, they can potentially make a real difference in the life of a person with MS by reducing the severity of the disease", said the minister.
"We anticipate that upwards of 30 persons could apply for coverage this fiscal year, and potentially an additional 20 to 30 persons next year," she said.
Criteria for eligibility will be established by a review panel. Coordinated by the Department of Health and Social Services, it will include a neurologist and other recognized experts.
Prince Edward Island neurologist Dr. Reg Hutchings said that the new medications are a significant advance in MS treatment.
"I'm delighted that Island patients with MS now have access to treatments that have been shown effective in altering the natural history of this devastating disease.
This program will not change the frequency of diagnosing MS in Prince Edward Island. However, it will offer certain patients improved hope in delaying the onset of disability - time that may allow for more breakthroughs in therapeutic advances."
The level of assistance will be determined using an income based deductible program similar to programs used in other provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Residents will be required to pay part of the prescription cost, beginning at $2 per month. Families with an annual adjusted income of $20,000 will be required to pay 2.5 per cent of the total drug cost while families earning $40,000 will be required to pay 5 per cent of the cost.
Drug costs for the four medications range from $12,960 to $19, 440 per patient per year depending on the medication and dosage used.