Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary Guide
Who's covered, what's covered, and how to check your medication
Check if a medication is on the ODB formulary
Search our verified Ontario formulary data. Always confirm with your pharmacist or the official Ontario formulary.
Who is eligible for ODB?
Seniors (65+)
All Ontario residents aged 65 or older with a valid OHIP card are automatically covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Most pay a small co-payment per prescription, and lower-income seniors may qualify for reduced or waived co-pays.
Children and youth under 25 (OHIP+)
OHIP+ covers the full cost of over 5,000 ODB-listed medications for anyone aged 24 and under who has OHIP coverage and no private insurance plan. There is no deductible or co-payment.
People on social assistance
Recipients of Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are covered, generally paying little or nothing out of pocket for formulary medications.
High drug costs (Trillium Drug Program)
Households that spend a large share of their income on prescription drugs can apply to the Trillium Drug Program. You pay a deductible based on household income, then ODB covers eligible costs for the rest of the program year.
Special care settings
People living in long-term care homes, homes for special care, and those receiving professional home care services are typically covered with minimal or no co-payment.
What does it cost?
Costs depend on which part of the program covers you. Many people — including children and youth under OHIP+ and most social assistance recipients — pay nothing. Most seniors pay a small co-payment per prescription after an annual deductible, with lower-income seniors paying reduced amounts. Pharmacies may also charge a dispensing fee, which is partially covered. Exact amounts change over time, so confirm current figures with your pharmacist.
How to get a medication covered
- Check whether your medication is on the ODB formulary using the search tool on this page or the official Ontario formulary search.
- If it's listed, present your OHIP card at any Ontario pharmacy — coverage is applied automatically if you're eligible.
- If your medication is not listed (or is listed as 'Limited Use'), ask your prescriber whether you meet the limited-use criteria.
- For drugs not on the formulary, your prescriber can request coverage through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) on your behalf.
- If costs are still too high, apply to the Trillium Drug Program for income-based help.
Official resources
This guide is informational and may not reflect the latest program rules. Always verify with Ontario Health or your pharmacist.
Not in Ontario? Use the provincial coverage checker for any province or territory.