Canadians with lower incomes are more likely to have poorer health outcomes.

Canadians’ life expectancy and average income have increased in the last 25 years. But, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, personal income levels may impact health outcomes. Among the reasons for the relationship between income and health are: (a) income impacts the availability of proper nutrition, essential medication and some health care services such as dental care, (b) lower levels of income may restrict social participation and reduce opportunities to exercise control over one’s life.

New medicines can help to manage the symptoms and costs of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and asthma. Lower income Canadians rely on publicly-funded provincial drug plans for access to new medicines that can improve health outcomes and enhance their quality of life.