She needs $12K-a-month drug to treat incurable cancer, but insurance won’t pay
A federal public servant in Quebec is struggling to afford a $12,000-a-month cancer medication after her insurance provider, Canada Life, denied coverage. The insurer maintains that the drug is excluded from the federal plan, leaving the patient to seek alternative solutions.
Why it matters
This case highlights the gaps in health insurance coverage for life-saving treatments and the complexities of navigating public service health plans.
Her doctor said her profile made her a candidate for the drug Truqab. While it wouldn’t cure her, it would give the Quebec City mother of four young kids more time with her family.
Costing up to $12,000 a month — double her previous medication that had been covered by her insurer Canada Life — Djeme-Mi Koumazock was shocked to learn she wouldn’t be reimbursed for the new treatment.
“It’s destroyed me. I didn’t know what to do,” she said.
While Quebec's health insurance board covers Truqap under exceptional circumstances, federal public servant Djeme-Mi Koumazock is enrolled in the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). Administered by Canada Life, the federal plan does not cover the drug.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in