KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 17, 2013) - May 19th is World Autoimmune Arthritis Day, a day to shine the spotlight on a disease that affects one in every 100 Canadians. It costs the Canadian economy $1.4 billion each year. In a generation, it is predicted to affect one in every 68 workers.
The Empire Life video tells the story of Catherine Hofstetter, a small business owner who has been prescribed a biologic drug, Humira, which costs $14,000 annually. Roughly half of arthritis patients will do well on a less expensive, traditional drug, but half require the more costly biologic in order to remain productive and pain free. Catherine employs 10 people in her industrial fencing business, employees who rely on her to be productive.
As more and more people develop chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, doctors are writing more prescriptions for costly medications. Since many of these conditions last a lifetime, these drug costs can add up. Early detection and revised treatment guidelines are two of the ten key cost drivers behind rising drug prices.
"With our aging population, chronic conditions like arthritis already affect two out of five Canadians. These new breakthrough medicines can make a real difference in people's lives, but business owners need to understand the impact to their drug plans since more and more of these medicines are being developed," says Janet Jackson, Vice-President of Group Marketing at Empire Life.
"We hope these videos will help our customers understand the changing drug landscape, and encourage them to take advantage of drug management solutions designed to help them navigate these changes," says Jackson.
Catherine's Story: the burden of chronic illness is the third in a series of videos produced by The Empire Life Insurance Company (Empire Life), to educate customers and their employees.
About Empire Life
A subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited and in business since 1923, Empire Life helps Canadians build wealth and protect their financial security with competitive individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products. The company's vision is to be the leading, independently owned, Canadian financial services company committed to simplicity, being easy to do business with and having a personal touch.
Twitter cue: # EmpireLife Releases Video in Support of World Autoimmune Arthritis Day
Links to Changing Drug Landscape Video Series by Empire Life
Catherine's story: the burden of chronic illness http://www.empire.ca/consumer/group-benefits/news/biologics-bitter-pill/en/
Biologics: the high cost of breakthrough medicine http://www.empire.ca/consumer/group-benefits/news/biologics/en/
The Changing Drug Landscape: John's Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f1QCkCZ3Rw&feature=youtu.be
Contact Information:
Mary Crawford - Senior Communication Specialist
Communication Services
613 548-1890, ext. 3422
mary.crawford@empire.ca
www.empire.ca