Why do some seniors need to pay for drugs in August?

Some seniors may assume that the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) covers all drug costs and that "drugs are free for seniors". Although the Ontario Drug Benefit covers many commonly used drugs for seniors living in Ontario with a valid health card, seniors may still have to pay part of the cost depending on their annual income. Here are the criteria:

If you are a single senior (65 years or older) with a yearly net income of $16,018 or more, 
OR
If you are a senior couple with a combined yearly net income of $24, 175 or more, 

Then, you have to pay the first $100 of your prescription drug costs every year. This is called your "deductible". This deductible is collected starting August 1st of every year. Once the deductible is reached, you will only need to pay $6.11 to fill a prescription covered under ODB. 

At Custom Care Pharmacy, we waive $2.11 for all patients that normally needs to pay $6.11 co-payment.  

So what if you are a single senior with yearly net income of less than $16.018 or a senior couple with combined yearly income less than $24, 175? 

Based on the criteria, you should NOT need to pay for the $100 annual deductible and you will only need to pay $2 for each prescription co-payment. You will need to apply for the seniors co-payment program by completing an application form and sending it to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario Drug Benefit Program. 

We have the application forms at Custom Care Pharmacy and we are happy to provide guidance on how to fill out the application form. Once your application is approved, Custom Care Pharmacy waives the $2 co-payment for prescriptions covered under ODB. 

Besides the senior ODB program, there is also a program called the Trillium Drug Program (TDP) that helps people who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. It covers all drugs approved under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. For drug products that are not on the list of approved ODB products, your doctor may apply for special approval through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP).

If you have questions about these drug programs, you can contact Custom Care Pharmacy at 905-305-0111 and we will be happy to assist you.