How will OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare coverage work?

The new OHIP+ program will cover all drugs currently reimbursed through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for youth 24 and under.

What is OHIP+?

The new OHIP+ program will cover all drugs and drug products currently reimbursed through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. This includes more than 4,400 drug products listed on the ODB Formulary/Comparative Drug Index and additional drugs eligible for funding through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP). OHIP+ coverage will stop on an individual’s twenty-fifth birthday.

This will include medications to treat:

  • asthma
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • infections (e.g. antibiotics)
  • epilepsy
  • diabetes (including test strips)
  • reproductive health (e.g. oral contraceptives)
  • some childhood cancers and rare diseases

Starting January 1, 2018, if a child or youth aged 24 or under requires an eligible medication, they or their caregiver can bring their valid prescription and health card number to a pharmacy and will receive that medication at no cost.  Enrollment in OHIP+ will be automatic for children and youth with OHIP eligibility.  There will be no out of pocket costs (i.e. deductibles or co-payments).

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