Ontario providing free prescription drugs for everyone under 24 starting January 1

Dec 29 2017, 12:59 am

Starting January 1, 2018 Ontario will be introducing free prescription drugs to those under the age of 24.

As part of the new OHIP+ program, approximately four million Ontario residents will receive free access to 4,400 drug products currently available through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, regardless of their income.

Some of the prescription drugs that will be available include:

  • Antibiotics to treat infections
  • Inhalers for asthma
  • EpiPens
  • Various insulins, oral diabetic medications and diabetes test strips
  • Drugs to treat arthritis, epilepsy and other chronic conditions
  • Medications to treat mental health conditions (e.g. antidepressants)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs
  • Drugs to treat some childhood cancers and other rare conditions

To receive the free prescriptions drugs, you don’t need to enroll – all you need is a health card number and an eligible prescription from their doctor or nurse practitioner.

This move makes Ontario the first province to provide prescription medication coverage at no cost for children and youth aged 24 years and under.

According to a statement from the province of Ontario, this will not only make a real difference in the lives of people across the province but also make it more affordable for families and young people to get the medications they need.

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