Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC) has entered into an exclusive partnership with one of Canada’s leading health care providers, Mississauga, Ont.-based Bayshore HealthCare Ltd, to deliver a specialty drug care program.
The program features drug case management services and a preferred provider network.
Manulife’s new program is designed to enhance patient care for individuals managing complex medical conditions treated with high cost specialty drugs. The program’s case management services will include education, health coaching, side-effect management, medication adherence and regular follow-ups.
“This partnership is unique within the Canadian marketplace as it increases the level of care being provided to patients taking specialty drugs and with Bayshore’s network of 10,000 healthcare professionals, we are delivering a national solution that is supported by community based resources,” said Lisa Callaghan, assistant vice president product group benefits, Manulife. “In addition, the program helps contain costs for our plan sponsors and members. With specialty drug costs increasing by 10 per cent year-over-year*, managing this trend is becoming increasingly important.”
The pharmacy network will provide preferred pricing and will employ Bayshore’s Specialty Rx Pharmacy network to meet the logistical demands required to get these high cost medications safely in the hands of the patient at their home, infusion clinic, doctor’s office or preferred pharmacy.
Specialty Drug Care is scheduled to be introduced later this year.