Spotlight: Opioid
As healthcare needs evolve and therapeutic innovations multiply, it becomes essential for insurers to adopt novel management approaches in order to preserve plan sustainability. The purpose of this section is to present one of the drug-related control measures that Desjardins Insurance employs to optimize costs while protecting the health and well-being of insureds. By highlighting one concrete example from our range of strategies, we aim to illustrate how targeted interventions can contribute to a sustainable balance between accessibility, quality of care, and cost control.
As healthcare needs evolve and therapeutic innovations multiply, it becomes essential for insurers to adopt novel management approaches in order to preserve plan sustainability. The purpose of this section is to present one of the drug-related control measures that Desjardins Insurance employs to optimize costs while protecting the health and well-being of insureds. By highlighting one concrete example from our range of strategies, we aim to illustrate how targeted interventions can contribute to a sustainable balance between accessibility, quality of care, and cost control.
Opioid management program
At Desjardins Insurance, our opioid management program aims to protect the health of our insureds by limiting the risks associated with inappropriate use, overdose, and opioid dependence.
In addition to the standard opioid control measures already in place, our management program includes two additional protection measures:
- Limit the initial supply of short-acting opioids to seven days.
- Require patients to try a short-acting opioid before transitioning to a long-acting opioid.
Long-acting opioids can increase the risk of dependency and harmful side effects. Starting with a short-acting opioid reduces those risks while still providing effective pain relief.
It is important to note that this measure does not apply to individuals with cancer. Pain management is different in this context, and the use of long-acting opioids is a medically supported first line treatment.
For other conditions, if the individual’s condition justifies the use of a longacting opioid, the prescriber may submit an exception request by completing the designated form.
These measures help reduce tolerance and dependence, while allowing for early detection of adverse effects.
Canada’s opioid crisis: A public health issue
The opioid crisis is one of Canada's most serious health emergencies:
- ~17 deaths a day linked to opioid intoxication
- 6,661 deaths between July 2024 and June 2025
- More than 53,808 deaths since 2016
Overdoses are among the leading causes of preventable death in Canada.
Why is opioid management so important?
These drugs are powerful and can be lethal when misused. Proactive management is essential to:
- Reduce the risk of dependence and overdose.
- Prevent medical and social complications.
- Manage collective healthcare costs.
Key results
Our opioid management program was launched on January 1, 2024. An analysis of the data collected between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025—covering the period before and after its implementation—reveals significant results.
New patients
The number of patients claiming short-acting opioids for more than 7 days on their first claim was reduced by 53%.
Additional doses
The program reduced by 48% the number of patients claiming an additional quantity of opioids after the initial 7-day supply, thereby helping reduce drug waste and the amount of opioids in circulation.
Long-acting opioid*
The recommendation to have patients start on a short-acting opioid has led to a 69% reduction in the number of patients beginning treatment directly with a long-acting opioid.
*Patients receiving cancer treatments are excluded from this statistic
Sources
- Opioids | Government of Canada
- Working Group on Drug Overdose and Drug-Related Death Surveillance on behalf of the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health. Harms associated with opioids and stimulants in Canada. Public Health Agency of Canada, December 2025.
- Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada | Government of Canada
- Talking to your health care provider about opioids | Government of Canada
- Opioids | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
- Opioid overdose | World Health Organization
- Opioid Addiction | The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health