The Payer Exchange Podcast Episode 8: Canada - Don Husereau on Decision-Making, Evidence Generation and Candian Policy
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In this episode, Omar speaks with Canadian health economist and policy advisor Don Husereau about Canada’s unique payer landscape. Don isn’t your typical policy analyst. He’s worked in HTA, advised governments, and written widely about the gaps, flaws, and hidden logic in pricing systems like Canada’s.
They discuss the decentralised nature of decision-making, the gap between evidence generation and clinical practice, and the disconnect between how healthcare science is developed versus how healthcare systems operate. Don shares his perspective on the pressures facing CADTH and how Canadian policy reflects a deeper tension between idealism and pragmatism.
Key themes:
Decentralised payer environment in Canada
Evidence generation vs clinical practice
“There’s a disconnect between the way we approve drugs and the way we pay for them.”
About The Payer Exchange
The Payer Exchange is a podcast from Verpora that explores how payers around the world are navigating complex pricing and access decisions. Hosted by Omar Ali, Verpora’s Head of Payers, each episode features a one-to-one conversation with a payer from a different healthcare system—offering direct insight into the practical realities of drug funding, reimbursement, and health system sustainability.
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Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as legal or policy advice. This presentation is based on non-confidential intelligence. Views expressed by the speakers are personal opinions and should not be attributed to anyone else. No part of this presentation may be reproduced for commercial purposes without the express permission of Verpora.
