Ontario Drug Benefit for Seniors (65+)
When you turn 65, Ontario automatically covers most of the cost of your prescription drugs through the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Most seniors pay a $100 annual deductible then up to $6.11 per prescription. Low-income seniors can pay as little as $2 per prescription with no deductible.
How It Works
The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program is the province's prescription drug coverage for seniors. You are enrolled automatically when you turn 65. No application is needed for the basic program.
What You Pay
What you pay out of pocket depends on your income. There are two tiers.
Standard Seniors
You pay the first $100 of prescription costs each program year (August 1 to July 31). After the $100 is used up, you pay up to $6.11 per prescription. ODB pays the rest. If you turn 65 mid-year, the $100 deductible is prorated based on the number of months remaining.
Seniors Co-Payment Program (SCP)
For low-income seniors. No deductible at all. You pay a maximum of $2 per prescription. Most pharmacies absorb the $2 co-pay entirely, meaning many low-income seniors pay nothing. You must apply separately for this program.
The Seniors Co-Payment Program
You qualify for the SCP if:
Starting August 1, 2026, these income thresholds will be adjusted annually based on Ontario CPI inflation. This means the thresholds will increase slightly each year to keep pace with cost of living increases in OAS, GIS, and GAINS payments.
How to apply:
Who Gets Automatic $2 Co-Pay (No SCP Needed)
Some seniors automatically get a $2 or less co-pay with no deductible, without needing to apply for the SCP:
If you fall into any of these categories, your reduced co-pay is applied automatically. No SCP application is needed.
What Drugs Are Covered
ODB covers over 5,900 prescription medications listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary. This includes most common prescriptions for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, pain management, mental health, antibiotics, inhalers, and many other conditions. It also covers certain nutrition products and diabetic testing supplies (test strips, lancets, syringes).
Not every drug is on the list. Newer medications, some brand-name drugs with generic equivalents, and some specialty drugs may not be covered. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check whether your specific medications are on the formulary.
If a medication you need is not on the formulary, your doctor can apply to the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) for special approval. The EAP reviews requests on a case-by-case basis and can approve coverage for drugs not normally listed.
Search the ODB Formulary →ODB and Private Insurance
Many seniors retain drug coverage through a former employer's retiree benefits plan or purchase their own extended health plan. If you have private insurance, here is how it interacts with ODB:
If you are retiring and your employer offers a choice between keeping drug benefits or taking a lump-sum payout, consider keeping the benefits. ODB covers the basics well, but private insurance handles the non-formulary drugs and eliminates your co-pays.
Important Details
Program year:
The ODB program year runs August 1 to July 31. Your $100 deductible resets on August 1 each year. If you turn 65 mid-year, the deductible is prorated based on the number of months remaining.
Ontario prescriptions only:
ODB only covers prescriptions filled at Ontario pharmacies. If you fill a prescription in another province or country (snowbirds, take note), you pay the full cost. You can submit receipts for reimbursement through the SCP if you qualify, but only for prescriptions filled in Ontario.
Your health card must be valid:
The pharmacist needs your Ontario health card to verify ODB eligibility. If your card is expired, renew it at a ServiceOntario centre before visiting the pharmacy. You can still use ODB, but an expired card may cause processing delays.
Transitioning from Trillium:
If you were on the Trillium Drug Program before turning 65, you are automatically moved to ODB. Your Trillium enrollment ends. If your spouse is under 65, they can stay on or enroll in Trillium separately.
How ODB Compares to Other Programs
👴 ODB for Seniors (65+)
Automatic at 65. $6.11 co-pay. Low-income seniors can apply for SCP ($0 deductible, $2 co-pay). Covers 5,900+ drugs.
🌿 Trillium Drug Program
For ages 25-64 without full private coverage. Caps drug costs at 4% of household income. You transition to ODB at 65.
Read the Trillium guide →💊 OHIP+ (Under 25)
No application, no deductible, no co-pay for anyone 24 or under without private insurance. Covers the same formulary.