Manulife will cover specialty drugs filled at any pharmacy following backlash to Loblaw deal – CBC

Company said it would implement change quickly following public feedback

Feb 05, 2024

Manulife will cover specialty drugs filled at any pharmacy, the insurance company said Monday, backtracking on its decision to only cover drugs filled at Loblaw-owned pharmacies less than a week after the exclusivity deal was announced.

The company said in a statement posted on its website that it was making the change so quickly because “feedback is deeply rooted in our company’s long-standing history and culture.”

“This decision ensures Canadians have choice, access and flexibility in managing their health,” the website reads in the Q&A portion of its statement.

It added that the change will be made effective “swiftly” and that further updates will be posted to its website.

Members with specialty drug prescriptions can still receive their medications through Bayshore and Loblaw-owned pharmacies. Home delivery will still be an option.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Manulife pointed CBC News to the website statement.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/manulife-loblaw-deal-reversal-1.7105150