In its first full day in power, Ontario's PC majority government has announced changes to a provincial prescription program.
Christine Elliott, the new Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, says the government wants to concentrate the efforts of the OHIP+ program on those who primarily need it.
Elliott says OHIP+, which provides free prescription medication for Ontarians aged 24 and under, will continue to provide coverage, but focus on those who don't already have existing drug benefits. To that end, OHIP+ will no longer cover medication for those who already have private coverage.
Instead, those 24-and-under who have private insurance will have prescription coverage to the limits set by the carrier, with OHIP+ paying for the balance only.
"This new system would be more efficient, saving the taxpayers money and dedicating resources to the people who need it most," says Elliott in a press release. "Even more importantly, it would continue to guarantee that children and youth still receive the prescription drugs they need."
Elliott says the changes will make it possible for more prescription medications to be accessible. Currently, over 4,400 medications are covered by OHIP+.
The government says private insurers had provided them with a grace period for some medications. That grace period is due to expire Sunday. Elliott says the government will ask the insurance companies for an extension while the proposed changes to OHIP+ are worked out.
