The Ontario government announced that everyone under the age of 25 will soon be covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. The new coverage will begin on January 1st 2018.
This is great news for parents with young children in Ontario. Commonly prescribed medications for children such as inhalers (puffers), liquid antibiotics, eye drops, some topical creams and ointments, among many others will be covered under the government's drug plan.
Even for those with private insurance, the prescription cost will go through the government's drug plan first and if the drug is not covered under ODB, then it will go through private insurance. This will make a difference for parents that have to pay for deductibles or co-payments currently.
One of the commonly prescribed medication for children is Epipen, an auto injection device for emergency treatment of severe allergy reaction. Epipen is currently not listed in the ODB formulary. Parents will likely have to continue to pay out-of-pocket or use their private insurance to pay for it.
For youth and young adults up to 24 years old, commonly prescribed medications for acne and birth control pills are also covered by ODB.
To find out if a medication is covered under ODB, you can search on the government's website:
https://www.formulary.health.gov.on.ca/formulary/
or simply ask our pharmacy staff to check for you!
Custom Care Pharmacy Open 6 days a week
Monday to Friday 9:30am to 8pm, Saturday 9:30am to 5pm
905-305-0111 www.mycustomcarepharmacy.ca
email: customcaretips@gmail.com
Looking for a family doctor? Ask the medical clinic beside Custom Care Pharmacy. Both doctors are accepting new patients!
