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The Trillium Drug Program (TDP)

What does the program cover?

The TDP 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).

Who can apply?

You may qualify for the Trillium Drug Program if:

• You have a valid Ontario health card
• You live in Ontario

AND

• You are not covered under ODB as:
  • a senior over 65 years of age
  • someone who receives financial help through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program
  • a resident of a Long-Term Care home or Home for Special Care or
  • someone who receives Home Care Services OR
• You don't have private health insurance or your private insurance does not cover 100% of your prescription drug costs.

What costs will I pay?

Under the TDP, you will pay two different fees each year:

1. You will pay a set amount of your prescription drug costs each year. This amount is called your "deductible." The amount of your deductible is based on your household income. For most people, it equals about 4% of your household’s total net income. Net income is the amount of money you have to live on after you pay your taxes.

   The deductible you have to pay is split into four equal amounts over the year starting on August 1st.  You pay your deductible by purchasing ODB approved prescription drug products at your pharmacy.  Once you have purchased enough of these products to equal the amount of your deductible, then the ODB program pays for most of the cost of your drugs.

2. After you pay your deductible, you pharmacist may ask you to pay up to $2 for each prescription that the ODB program covers.  This amount is called a “co-payment”.

 Application forms

To get an application kit:

• ask at your local pharmacy, OR
• call 1-800-575-5386, OR
• download the Application for Ontario Drug Benefits and A Guide to Your Application (Ontario Drug Benefit).