Learn about OHIP+
OHIP+ provides more than 5,000 drug products at no cost for anyone age 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. You don’t need to enroll — all you need is a health card number and an eligible prescription.
Who is covered
You are covered by OHIP+ if you:
- are 24 years and under
- have OHIP coverage
- are not covered by a private plan
You do not have to enroll or register to access OHIP+ coverage.
OHIP+ coverage will stop on your 25th birthday, or if you become covered by a private plan, but you may qualify for other financial help with prescription drug costs.
What is covered
In order to maintain and improve our health care system, we have prioritized children and youth without coverage through a private plan.
For those children and youth, OHIP+ covers the cost of more than 5,000 drug products that are currently available through the
- antibiotics to treat infections
- inhalers for asthma
- various insulins, oral diabetic medications and diabetes test strips
- epinephrine injectable products (e.g. auto-injectors)
- 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
- help to quit smoking:
- up to a year of pharmacist-assisted counselling (talk to your pharmacist or health care provider)
- drugs for treatment if you are age 18 years or older
Medications available through the Exceptional Access Program may also be covered if an individual qualifies.
How to get your medication
If you’re a parent
If your child is 24 years old or under, is not covered by a private plan and needs a covered medication:
- Visit your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner and get their prescription.
- Take their health card OR health card number to any pharmacy in Ontario – you don’t need a separate or special card. Your pharmacist may ask if your child is covered by a private plan.
- If your child is not covered by a private plan, the pharmacy will fill the prescription at no charge.
If you’re 24 years old or under
If you need a covered medication and you are not covered by a private plan:
- Visit your doctor or nurse practitioner and get your prescription.
- Take your health card OR health card number to any pharmacy in Ontario – you don’t need a separate or special card. Your pharmacist may ask if you are covered by a private plan.
- If you do not have a private plan, the pharmacy will fill your prescription at no charge .
How OHIP+ affects other coverage
Private plans
If you have a private plan you are not eligible for OHIP+.
Trillium Drug Program
If you have coverage through a private plan, but your household still has significant out-of-pocket costs, you can apply for additional financial support through the Trillium Drug Program.
Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Long-Term Care, Home Care, Homes for Special Care, Community Homes for Opportunity
If you are enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit program through other eligibility criteria (Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program, Long-Term Care, Home Care, Homes for Special Care, or Community Homes for Opportunity), regardless of whether you are covered by a private plan, and need a covered medication:
- Visit your doctor or nurse practitioner and get your prescription.
- Take your health card OR health card number to any pharmacy in Ontario – you don’t need a separate or special card.
- The pharmacy will fill your prescription at no charge.