The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) pays for most of the cost of more than 5,900 prescription drugs for Ontario residents 65 and older, people 24 and under without private insurance, and several other groups. Most seniors pay a $100 yearly deductible and then up to $6.11 per prescription. Lower-income seniors can pay no deductible and up to $2, and the Trillium Drug Program helps people of any age whose drug costs are high compared with their income.
How much you pay
The ODB program year runs from August 1 to July 31. These are Ontario’s figures for the program year that started August 1, 2026:
| Who | Deductible | What you pay per prescription |
|---|---|---|
| Seniors 65 and older | $100 a year | Up to $6.11 |
| Seniors in the Seniors Co-Payment Program (single net income up to $25,480, or couples’ combined net income up to $42,290) | None | Up to $2 |
| Ontario Works or ODSP recipients | None | Up to $2 |
| Trillium Drug Program members | About 4% of household after-tax income, paid in 4 parts | Up to $2 after the deductible |
| Young people 24 and under with no private plan (OHIP+) | None | Nothing |
You pay the deductible down at the pharmacy as you fill prescriptions. If you turn 65 partway through the program year, your deductible is prorated for the months between your start date and July 31.
Who qualifies
You need a valid Ontario health card. You’re covered by ODB if you:
- are 65 or older. Coverage starts automatically on the first day of the month after your 65th birthday.
- are 24 or younger and not covered by a private plan (this is OHIP+)
- live in a long-term care home or a community home, or get professional home and community care services
- get Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits
- are enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program
Prescriptions filled outside Ontario aren’t covered.
OHIP+ for 24 and under
OHIP+ is free and automatic. Bring your health card and prescription to any Ontario pharmacy. If you have a private plan (for example, through a parent’s job), the private plan pays instead. Coverage ends on your 25th birthday or when you get private coverage.
The Seniors Co-Payment Program
If you’re 65 or older and your net income is low, you can apply to pay no deductible and a lower co-payment of up to $2. For August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, the income limits are:
- $25,480 net income for a single senior
- $42,290 combined net income for a senior couple
This isn’t automatic. You have to apply, even if you get the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
The Trillium Drug Program
Trillium is for Ontario residents of any age who spend about 4% or more of their after-tax household income on prescription drugs. You can’t already qualify for ODB another way, and you can’t have private insurance that covers 100% of your drug costs. If your plan pays only part, Trillium can help with the rest.
Your yearly deductible is about 4% of your household’s after-tax income. It’s split into four quarterly parts, one for each period of the program year:
- August to October
- November to January
- February to April
- May to July
Once you’ve paid the deductible for a quarter, you pay up to $2 per prescription for the rest of that quarter. Only money your household spent out of pocket on eligible drugs counts toward the deductible. An unpaid amount carries into the next quarter, but not past July 31.
How to apply
Seniors: you don’t apply for ODB itself. It starts the month after you turn 65. Just show your health card at the pharmacy.
Seniors Co-Payment Program:
- Apply online at forms.ontariodrugbenefit.ca, or call 1-888-405-0405 (or 416-503-4586), or email [email protected] for a paper form.
- You and your spouse (if you have one) consent to let the CRA share your income information with the ministry. That’s the fastest way to check your income.
- Once you’re approved, the lower costs apply at the pharmacy.
Trillium Drug Program:
- Apply online at forms.ontariodrugbenefit.ca.
- Or ask for a paper form by calling 1-800-575-5386 or emailing [email protected].
- Your enrolment renews every year automatically, as long as everyone in your household files their taxes on time.
Deadline: September 30
For both programs, apply by September 30 to be paid back for eligible drugs you bought in the previous program year (August 1 to July 31). For the 2025 to 2026 program year, that’s September 30, 2026. Seniors Co-Payment receipts must arrive by October 31.
How you get it
Most of the time, no money is sent to you. The savings happen at the pharmacy counter when you show your health card. Your pharmacist charges the deductible or co-payment, and the province pays the rest for drugs on the ODB Formulary.
ODB covers more than 5,900 drugs, plus diabetic test strips, allergy shots and epinephrine auto-injectors. Almost 1,500 more drug products may be covered case by case through the Exceptional Access Program.
Things to watch for
- Missing the Seniors Co-Payment Program. Low-income seniors don’t get it automatically. If your income is under the limit, apply.
- Missing the September 30 deadline for a refund on last year’s costs.
- Not filing taxes. Trillium and the Seniors Co-Payment Program both rely on your tax information.
- Filling prescriptions outside Ontario. They aren’t covered.
Watch for scams. The government never asks for a payment or gift cards to release a benefit. If a call, text or email asks for money or your banking details to “unlock” a payment, don’t click or reply. Contact the program yourself using the numbers on this page, and see our scam guide.
Ontario seniors on a low income may also qualify for GAINS and the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement. Our benefits checkup shows what else you may get.
Common questions
How much do seniors pay for prescriptions in Ontario?
Most seniors pay the first $100 of drug costs each program year (August 1 to July 31), then up to $6.11 per prescription.
Do I have to apply for the Ontario Drug Benefit at 65?
No. Coverage starts automatically on the first day of the month after you turn 65. You do have to apply for the Seniors Co-Payment Program if your income is low.
What is the income limit for the Seniors Co-Payment Program?
For August 2026 to July 2027, it’s $25,480 net income for a single senior and $42,290 combined for a couple.
Is OHIP+ free for people under 25?
Yes. If you’re 24 or younger and not covered by a private plan, eligible prescriptions cost nothing.
How is the Trillium deductible calculated?
It’s about 4% of your household’s after-tax income, split into four quarterly parts over the August to July program year.
Can I use Trillium if I have private insurance?
Yes, if your private plan doesn’t cover 100% of your prescription costs.
