A new drug benefit program is coming to Ontario in January of 2018 which will provide the roughly four million Ontarians under the age of 24 with publicly funded drug coverage. The announcement, made by the Government of Ontario in the April 27th, 2017 Budget, outlined the new program called “OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare”, and will provide access to more than 4,400 drugs including those reimbursed under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program and those listed under the Exceptional Access Program, with no co-pay or deductible. Everyone under the age of 24, regardless of family income would be eligible as long as they hold a valid Ontario Health Card.
While details are still limited on the potential impacts of this new program, following the budget Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said the government would immediately begin working with insurers to ensure they pass cost savings on to employers and employees.