Trillium Drug Program (Ontario): Complete Guide

Who qualifies

• You have a valid Ontario health card (OHIP) and live in Ontario.
• Your prescription costs are high relative to your household income — typically more than about 4% of net household income.
• You don't already have full coverage through another part of ODB (for example OHIP+ for people 24 and under without private insurance, or Ontario Works / ODSP).
• You can apply even if you have private insurance — Trillium can cover costs your private plan doesn't.

How the deductible works

Your deductible is roughly 4% of your household's combined net income (line 23600 of your tax returns), after adjustments for household size. The benefit year runs from August 1 to July 31, and the deductible is split into four quarterly instalments. Once you've paid the instalment for a quarter, eligible drugs are covered for that quarter, with only a small co-payment (currently up to $2 per prescription) at the pharmacy.

What's covered

• Drugs listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary.
• Limited Use drugs, when your prescriber confirms you meet the criteria.
• Drugs approved case-by-case through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP).
• Some diabetes testing supplies and other listed products.

How to apply

• Apply online through the Ontario government's Trillium page, or with a paper application from your pharmacy.
• List everyone in your household and give consent for the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm income.
• Include receipts for eligible drug costs if you're asking to be reimbursed for costs already paid in the benefit year.
• Renew each year — you'll receive a renewal notice before the benefit year ends.

Frequently asked questions