Senate approves pharmacare bill to cover diabetes and birth control medications

The Senate has passed a pharmacare bill that will allow the government to cover diabetes and birth control medications. This legislation is part of a deal between the Liberals and NDP and will help shape future national pharmacare plans. The bill passed without changes and is now set to become law. British Columbia has already agreed to start the program, and Health Minister Mark Holland aims to have all provinces on board by spring 2025. Royal assent is needed before the government can finalize agreements with provinces and territories. The bill reflects negotiations from a previous political agreement between the two parties.