Public Information
Ministry Programs
Ontario Drug Benefit Program
The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program is one of the most generous drug benefit programs in Canada, providing coverage for over 3,200 drug products. With funding provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the ODB Program covers most of the cost of prescription drug products listed in the Formulary.
As well, drugs that are not listed in the Formulary are considered for coverage, on a case-by-case basis, through the ministry's Exceptional Access Program. The Individual Clinical Review process is being phased out and a streamlined Exceptional Access program has been created to handle funding requests for drugs that are not listed in the Formulary. The requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, either internally according to expert criteria or by external experts. Based on this review, the requests are either approved or rejected.
If you belong to one of the following groups of Ontario residents and you have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, you are eligible for community-based, outpatient drug coverage through the ODB program :
- People 65 years of age and older
- People on social assistance (Ontario Disability Support Program and/or Ontario Works)
- Residents of homes for special care and long-term care homes
- People receiving professional home care services
- Registrants in the Trillium Drug Program
ODB Forms, Applications and additional eligibility information are available in the Ontario Drug Benefit Program section.
For more information see ODB Frequently Asked Questions or contact us.
