When prescriptions eat up a big part of your income, the Trillium Drug Program can help. It is an Ontario government program for people whose prescription drug costs are high compared with their household income.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we meet neighbours who have to choose between medicine and groceries. We do not run any drug programs, but this guide explains how the Trillium Drug Program works and how to apply.
Quick answer
What is the Trillium Drug Program?
It is an Ontario program that helps people with high prescription costs compared with their income. You pay a yearly deductible, which for most people is about 4% of after-tax household income, then up to $2 for each prescription for the rest of the program year. You can apply online or call 1-800-575-5386 for a paper form.
Who can apply
According to Ontario.ca (opens in a new tab), you can apply if all of these are true:
- You live in Ontario and have a valid Ontario health card.
- You do not already qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
- You do not have insurance that pays for 100% of your prescriptions.
- You spend about 4% or more of your after-tax household income on prescription drugs.
Even if you have some private coverage, you may still qualify if your plan does not cover everything. Ontario.ca also notes that people enrolled in a program such as Ontario Works should not apply, because they already qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit.
How the deductible works
The Trillium Drug Program uses a yearly deductible. For most people, it equals about 4% of household income after taxes.
Once you have paid the deductible, you pay up to $2 for each drug until the end of the program year. Your household income is the net income from the previous year’s notice of assessment.
| Stage | What you pay |
|---|---|
| Before you reach your deductible | Your prescription costs, up to the deductible |
| After you reach your deductible | Up to $2 for each prescription |
| End of the program year (July 31) | A new year and deductible start August 1 |
The program year and deadlines
The program year runs from August 1 to July 31. Ontario.ca says you must apply by September 30 to be paid back for costs from the previous program year.
Keep every pharmacy receipt in one place. They show what you have spent and help if you need to be reimbursed.
How to apply
- Gather your household’s most recent notice of assessment and your health card numbers.
- Apply online through the Ontario Drug Benefit forms website.
- Or call 1-800-575-5386 (toll-free) or 416-642-3038 to ask for a paper form.
- Send in the application and keep a copy for your records.
- Keep your pharmacy receipts while you wait.
You can also email trillium@ontariodrugbenefit.ca with questions. Filing your taxes every year matters, because the program uses your notice of assessment; see how to file taxes for free (opens in a new tab).
If you already get drug coverage
Some people already get help with prescriptions through the Ontario Drug Benefit program, so they do not need the Trillium Drug Program. Ontario.ca names people enrolled in a program such as Ontario Works as one example.
If you are not sure which program fits you, ask your pharmacist or call the program before you apply. Our guides on how to apply for Ontario Works (opens in a new tab) and how to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (opens in a new tab) cover two related programs.
Who is in your household
The program looks at the income of your whole household. Ontario.ca notes that a household member under 25 who is eligible for OHIP+ and depends on another household member must be included in that household.
Answer the household questions carefully, because they affect your deductible.
Example: how the deductible feels in real life
Here is a simple way to picture it. If your household has high prescription costs every month, you pay for your medicines yourself until the total reaches your deductible for the year.
After that point, each prescription costs up to for the rest of the program year. If you have questions about your own deductible, call the program toll-free at 1-800-575-5386.
Keep good records
- Keep all pharmacy receipts in one envelope or folder.
- Ask your pharmacy for a printout of your yearly prescription costs.
- Keep your notices of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Write down the date you applied and any reference number you receive.
Good records make it easier to apply, to be reimbursed and to answer any questions from the program.
Talk to your pharmacist
Your pharmacist is a great partner in managing costs. Ask whether a lower-cost generic version of your medicine is available.
- Use one pharmacy, so your pharmacist can check all your medicines together.
- Ask what a new prescription will cost before you fill it.
- Never skip doses or split pills to save money without asking your doctor or pharmacist first.
Questions to ask the program
- What is my deductible for this program year?
- Which of my medicines are covered?
- How do I get reimbursed for costs I have already paid?
- What do I need to send if my income changes?
Keep notes of every call, with the date and the name of the person you spoke with. That makes follow-up calls much easier.
Other help with health costs
Prescriptions are only one part of health costs. Our guides on how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens in a new tab), free eye exams in Ontario (opens in a new tab) and how to find a family doctor in Ontario (opens in a new tab) explain more programs.
If you have a disability or a low income, ODSP and Ontario Works also include health benefits; see how to apply for ODSP (opens in a new tab).
Stretch your budget in Brantford
When medicine costs leave little for food, Friendship House can help. We serve free breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m., at 452 Grey Street, and run the Food Bank on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab). Everything is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Trillium Drug Program?
Ontario residents with a valid health card who do not qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit, do not have insurance covering 100% of their drugs and spend about 4% or more of after-tax household income on prescriptions.
How much is the Trillium Drug Program deductible?
For most people, it is about 4% of after-tax household income. After you reach it, you pay up to $2 for each prescription.
How do I apply for the Trillium Drug Program?
Apply online through the Ontario Drug Benefit forms website, or call 1-800-575-5386 for a paper form.
When is the Trillium Drug Program year?
It runs from August 1 to July 31. Apply by September 30 to be reimbursed for the previous program year.
Can I get the Trillium Drug Program if I have private insurance?
Possibly. You cannot apply if your plan pays for 100% of your drugs, but you may qualify if it covers only part.
No one should have to skip medicine to buy groceries. Look into the Trillium Drug Program, talk to your pharmacist, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for a warm meal and a helping hand.
