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To: Anthony Wong who wrote (6323)	11/19/1998 9:46:00 PM
From: Anthony Wong	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9523

Canada Issues Viagra Rule Thursday November 19 12:38 PM ET TORONTO (AP) - The Canadian government has told its workers it won't cover them for the costs of using Viagra, fearing demand for the impotency drug might bankrupt the federal health plan. About one million civil servants who are covered by the plan were notified of the decision by the Treasury Board. Viagra is expected to be approved for use in Canada by the end of the year, the National Post reported Thursday. The drug debuted in the United States in April and has been in high demand since. It is expected to have a similar reception in Canada.

To: Anthony Wong who wrote (6323)	11/19/1998 9:50:00 PM
From: Anthony Wong	Respond to of 9523

National Post (Canada):Civil servants won't get free Viagra, Threat to health plan Thursday, November 19, 1998 Brad Evenson National Post The federal government has told its employees it will not pay for Viagra, the anti-impotence drug. The anticipated demand is so great that actuaries fear it could bankrupt the country's largest health plan. "In the United States, Viagra has been the fastest selling drug in history," a bulletin says. Effective immediately, it states, the Treasury Board has decided not to cover the drug when it is approved in Canada. Approval is expected before Christmas. Roughly one million people are covered by the plan, including RCMP officers and military personnel. It paid $256.6-million in medical benefits last year. The decision is part of a consensus among health insurers against covering new "lifestyle" drugs, including medications for baldness, obesity and even shyness. According to William M. Mercer Ltd., a human-resources consulting company, Canada has a potential 3.6 million customers for Viagra, although less than one in 10 is likely to seek treatment. Insurers typically pay $300 to $500 per client for prescription drugs. Viagra is expected to cost $14 a pill, and a normal monthly prescription is eight to 10 pills. That would bring the annual tab to $1,680, excluding pharmacy dispensing fees. "If the (government plan) were to cover Viagra, this would likely result in plan changes potentially affecting all members," said the memo, promising to review the decision at a later date. nationalpost.com