The major benefit is that it takes money out of the equation. In other words, it gives us the opportunity to discuss the benefits of the plan for a specific individual. We want the same model as the one implemented in British Columbia. That said, patches weren't included in that province's model.
If a person has been through bariatric surgery and has issues with their intestines or with taking a medication, they can't use a pill, because it may be less effective. With a patch, the medication enters the body directly. It's much more reliable. This example explains why it's sometimes necessary to choose one method over another.
Our president, Dr. Amanda Black, conducted a study of young Ontarians aged 20 to 29. It clearly showed that unwanted pregnancies were associated with methods that failed to meet the needs of young people. When young women wanted implants, they couldn't have them. When they asked for an IUD, they were told that another method was covered by the plan.
I'm from Quebec. I'm obviously familiar with the province's drug coverage. It's better than nothing. However, it isn't true that everything is free. Young girls who don't want their parents to know about their pill use have no choice. They must report everything. It isn't true that everyone will be covered. If the girls are covered by their parents' insurance, their parents will have access to a statement. Unfortunately, this often constitutes just another step to protect them against an unwanted pregnancy that will change their adult lives.