CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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CMAJ
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Increasing copayments for higher-priced prescription medications has been suggested as a means to help finance drug coverage for elderly patients, but evaluations of the impact of such policies are rare. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of reference-based pricing of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on drug utilization, cost savings and potential substitution with other medication classes. ⋯ Reference-based pricing in British Columbia achieved a sustained reduction in drug expenditures, and no changes in overall use of antihypertensive therapy were observed. Further research is needed on the overall health and economic effects of such policies.