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Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program

Prescription cost relief for eligible Ontario seniors

Offered by
Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH)
Official source: ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Seniors aged 65 years or older with an Ontario health card number
See full eligibility

Overview

The Seniors Co-Payment Program helps low-income seniors in Ontario reduce prescription drug costs under the Ontario Drug Benefit system. Eligible participants may have the annual deductible waived and co-payment fees reduced to up to $2 when they meet the income and age requirements.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

ODB Formulary dates updated

The ODB Formulary/CDI edition page now shows an August 31, 2026 summary of changes and XML data extract, and the 2025 formulary effective date changed from June 30, 2025 to July 31, 2025.

See more

Formulary/CDI Edition 43 now shows an August 31, 2026 effective summary of changes and an August 31, 2026 XML data extract. The 2025 formulary effective date changed from June 30, 2025 to July 31, 2025, and the linked download was updated to match. The page update marker also moved from July 24, 2026 to August 27, 2026.

Official source: ontario.ca
August 29, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Seniors aged 65 years or older with an Ontario health card number
  • Low-income seniors who qualify under the program’s income eligibility thresholds

Who is not eligible

  • A spouse who is under 65 years old does not receive drug benefits as a senior

Eligible expenses

  • Most of the cost of more than 5,900 medications currently available through the Ontario Drug Benefit program

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Syringes, lancets, glucometers and other diabetic supplies

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

How to apply

  • Complete the Seniors Co-Payment Program Application on the Ontario Drug Benefit Program Online Applications and Forms website
  • If you cannot complete the form online, contact the SCP at 416-503-4586 in the Toronto area or 1-888-405-0405 outside Toronto for a paper version of the form

Documents Needed

  • Seniors Co-Payment Program Application

Selection criteria

  • Income verification against program thresholds.
  • Eligibility based on age and Ontario coverage.
  • For some benefits, covered drug status and valid special authorization.
  • For reimbursements, acceptable official pharmacy documentation.

Processing and Agreement

  • Application is reviewed after submission.
  • Income may be verified electronically through CRA consent.
  • Confirmation letter is issued after enrollment.
  • Reimbursement receipts are reviewed and must be submitted by the deadline.

Additional information

  • The program year runs from August 1 to July 31.
  • Household income is verified by CRA consent when available.
  • Coverage confirmation is sent after enrollment.
  • Receipts and supporting documents are reviewed for reimbursement.

Contacts

seniors@ontariodrugbenefit.ca
1-888-405-0405

Official sources

Get coverage for prescription drugs

Program guide

Formulary / Comparative Drug Index (CDI) Edition 40Formulary / Comparative Drug Index (CDI) Edition 41moh ontario drug benefit odb formulary edition 43 summary en 2026 03 24

Application form

Nutrition Products - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR)Seniors Co-Payment Program Application - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR)Special Authorization (Allergen) - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR)

Supporting document

Formulary / Comparative Drug Index (CDI) Edition 39moh formulary edition 43 en 2025 09 17
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program Program

What is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program?

The Seniors Co-Payment Program helps low-income seniors in Ontario reduce prescription drug costs under the Ontario Drug Benefit system. Eligible participants may have the annual deductible waived and co-payment fees reduced to up to $2 when they meet the income and age requirements.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program program, you must: Be aged 65 years or older Have an Ontario health card number Meet the applicable income eligibility thresholds for the program year August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program?

Most of the cost of more than 5,900 medications currently available through the Ontario Drug Benefit program

Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program?

You can contact Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) by email at seniors@ontariodrugbenefit.ca or by phone at 1-888-405-0405.

Where is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program available?

The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program is a Grant and Funding