(note: TVFHT does not endorse a single insurance provider; GreenShield is the only not-for-profit health and insurance provider in Canada, and we share this as information for the benefit of patients.)
Option 1: Ontario residents can apply for to the Trillium Drug Program
Visit this page to learn about the Trillium Drug Program, instructions to apply (online application available), and contact information.
Option 2: Learn about the GreenShield Cares’ Essential Medicines Program
Program overview:
GreenShield Cares’ Essential Medicines program provides eligible patients coverage of up to $1,000 for 12 months for drugs included in GreenShield’s approved essential medicines list. Medications are dispensed and delivered to patients exclusively by GreenShield’s online pharmacy. There is no cost to participate, no co-pay or deductibles and no shipping or delivery costs.
A pharmacist is available to review medications and provide suggestions for options that are covered. The program provides translation services.
How to apply: Complete an online application form
- Check if you are eligible on the program website.
- No tax information is required to submit the application form.
- Contact information for GreenShield is available on their website for further questions or concerns.
Information for health care providers:
- About GreenShield Cares’ Essential Medicines Program
- Provide patients who may benefit with the link to the online application form.
- Not all medications are eligible for the program. The program will contact you if required to provide suggested alternatives that are covered.
GreenShield’s essential medicines list was developed by members of GreenShield’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and was informed by the World Health Organization’s model list of essential medicines. The list includes drugs that meet the priority healthcare needs of a population and were selected based on evidence for clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Here is a summary of the evidence that this program is based on:
- Therapeutics Initiative Presentation – Dr. Nav Persaud (2021); published in JAMA
- Therapeutics Initiative | Best Evidence Webinar: Which Medicines are Essential in Canada? (ubc.ca)
- Free medications produce overall health-care savings in Ontario trial, new study suggests | CBC News (2023)
Synopsis: RCT of 786 patients in Ontario who could not afford their prescription medication were randomized to free access compared to usual care / access of medications.
Primary Outcome: Adherence, with secondary measures around surrogate health outcomes, and expenditures.
Findings:
- Adherence absolute increase 10% in adherence
- 60% increase (absolute) in patients now being able to make ends meet (rent, food, etc.)
- Healthcare system perspective – ~$1000 Median or $2000 (mean) savings per patient over 2-year study (reduce ER visits and hospitalizations)