OHIP+ and Similar Programs: Free Drugs for Kids Across Canada

OHIP+: The Gold Standard

When Ontario launched OHIP+ in January 2018, it became the first province to offer truly free prescription drug coverage for children and youth. The program covers over 4,400 medications for anyone under 25 who does not have private insurance.

What OHIP+ Covers

• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, azithromycin, cephalexin
• Asthma medications: Salbutamol (Ventolin), fluticasone (Flovent), montelukast (Singulair)
• ADHD medications: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Mental health drugs: Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Cipralex)
• Diabetes supplies: Insulin, test strips, insulin pump supplies
• Allergy medications: EpiPen, cetirizine, loratadine (prescription only)
• Birth control: Most oral contraceptives

What It Does Not Cover

• Medications not on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary
• Over-the-counter medications (even if medically necessary)
• Medications already covered by a parent's private insurance plan

How Other Provinces Compare

British Columbia

BC does not have an OHIP+ equivalent. Children are covered under Fair PharmaCare, which is income-based. Low-income families may pay nothing after meeting a small deductible, while higher-income families could pay hundreds before coverage kicks in.

• Deductible: 2–3% of net income
• Co-insurance after deductible: 30% until family maximum reached

Alberta

Alberta's Child Health Benefit provides free prescriptions, dental, optical, and ambulance services for children in low-income families receiving the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. Middle- and higher-income families must rely on private insurance.

Manitoba

Manitoba's Pharmacare program uses an income-based deductible for the entire family. Children's prescriptions count toward the family deductible. Families earning under $15,000 typically have a very low or zero deductible.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's drug plan requires a 35% co-pay for all family members, including children. A Family Health Benefits program covers children in families receiving the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement.

Quebec

All Quebec residents, including children, must be covered by either a private or public drug plan. Children covered under RAMQ face the parent's standard co-insurance rate of 37% up to a monthly maximum.

Cross-Canada Comparison

What Families Outside Ontario Can Do

If you live in a province without an OHIP+ equivalent:

Apply for your provincial program. Even partial coverage helps. Many families who qualify do not apply.

Maximize employer benefits. If both parents work, coordinate both plans for near-complete coverage.

Ask about generic alternatives. A generic Ventolin inhaler costs $15–$22 vs $25–$35 for the brand.

Compare pharmacy prices. Use TransparentMedz to find the lowest dispensing fees for your children's medications.

Check non-profit programs. Organizations like the Canadian Drug Insurance Foundation and Kids Help Phone can connect you to resources.

The Push for National Pharmacare

The federal government's Canada Pharmacare Act (2024) committed to a framework for national coverage, beginning with diabetes and contraception coverage. Advocates continue to push for full coverage of children's medications across all provinces, modelled on OHIP+.

Until national pharmacare becomes reality, TransparentMedz helps families compare prices across pharmacies and find the most affordable option — no matter which province you call home.

The Bottom Line

Ontario leads Canada in children's drug coverage with OHIP+, but families in other provinces have options too. The key is knowing your provincial program, applying proactively, and using TransparentMedz to minimize any remaining out-of-pocket costs.