Provincial Coverage Guide
Provincial Drug Plan Guide
Every province offers some form of public drug coverage. Find out what you qualify for and how much you could save.
Ontario Drug Benefit / Trillium Drug Program
Ontario (ODB / TDP)
Who Qualifies
- Seniors aged 65 and older
- Residents in long-term care homes
- Recipients of Ontario Works (social assistance)
- Recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Anyone with high drug costs relative to income (Trillium Drug Program)
- Children and youth under 25 (OHIP+)
What Is Covered
- Over 5,000 drug products listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
- Most generic drugs and many brand-name medications
- Insulin and select diabetes supplies
- Some specialty and biologic drugs via Exceptional Access Program
Deductible
Trillium: approximately 4% of net household income. ODB seniors: $0 if low income, $100/year otherwise.
Copay
ODB seniors: $2.00 per prescription (low income) or $6.11 per prescription. Trillium: $2.00 per prescription after deductible.
How to Apply
- 1OHIP+: Automatic for those under 25 with a valid health card and no private insurance
- 2ODB (seniors): Automatic at age 65 with a valid health card
- 3Trillium Drug Program: Apply online at ontario.ca or by mail with income verification
- 4Processing time: 4-6 weeks for Trillium applications
Key Limitations
- Trillium requires reapplication each year
- Not all drugs are covered; check the formulary
- Some drugs require prior authorization (Exceptional Access Program)
- Private insurance must be billed first if available
Estimated Savings
A typical senior saves $1,200-$3,000/year. A Trillium enrollee saves $500-$2,000/year depending on medications.
Am I Eligible?
Answer the questions below to find out.
Are you 65 years or older?
Official Resources
- Ontario: ontario.ca/page/get-coverage-prescription-drugs
- Quebec: ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/prescription-drug-insurance
- British Columbia: gov.bc.ca/pharmacare
- Alberta: ab.bluecross.ca/government-programs
- Manitoba: gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare