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Prescription drug plans

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Prescription drug coverage for seniors is run by your province or territory, not the federal government. Most places start covering you at age 65, often automatically, and you pay a deductible, a co-pay or both. Lower-income seniors, and those who get the Guaranteed Income Supplement, often pay less.

Check if you qualify

Key facts

Ontario Drug Benefit, most seniors

$100 yearly deductible, then up to $6.11 per prescription (program year August 1 to July 31)

Alberta Coverage for Seniors

30% co-pay, up to $35 per prescription (from April 1, 2026)

Quebec public plan, at the pharmacy

$21.25 monthly deductible, 30% co-insurance, up to $1,263 a year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027)

Saskatchewan Seniors' Drug Plan

$25 per eligible prescription

PEI Seniors' Drug Program

$8.25 plus $7.69 of the pharmacy fee per prescription

How does prescription drug coverage for seniors work in Canada?

Each province and territory runs its own drug plan. The plans cover drugs on their own approved list, called a formulary. If a drug is not on the list, you may need special approval from your doctor, or you may have to pay for it yourself.

Plans share costs with you in a few ways. A deductible is the amount you pay each year before the plan starts to pay. A co-pay is the part you pay each time you fill a prescription. Some plans also charge a premium, which is a yearly fee for being in the plan.

In most provinces you are enrolled when you turn 65. In others, you must register or apply. Your income, and whether you get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), often changes what you pay.

Seniors drug plans in each province and territory

Amounts below are the ones posted by each government on the date this guide was checked. Ask your pharmacist or the plan if you are not sure what you will pay.

• Ontario: Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB). You join automatically on the first day of the month after you turn 65. Most seniors pay the first $100 of drug costs each program year (August 1 to July 31), then up to $6.11 per prescription. Through the Seniors Co-Payment Program, lower-income seniors pay no deductible and up to $2 per prescription. For August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, the income limit is $25,480 for a single senior and $42,290 combined for a couple. Apply at forms.ontariodrugbenefit.ca or call 1-888-405-0405.
• Quebec: Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (RAMQ). You are registered automatically at 65. If you can get a private plan, you can choose the public plan, the private plan or both, but leaving a private plan can be permanent, so talk to your insurer first. From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, you pay a $21.25 monthly deductible and 30% of the rest, up to $105.25 a month and $1,263 a year. If you get part of the GIS, your maximum is $58.08 a month and $697 a year. If you get 94% or more of the maximum GIS, your drugs are free. The yearly premium, paid with your Quebec tax return, is between $0 and $789 per person depending on family income.
• British Columbia: Fair PharmaCare. You must register, online or by calling 1-800-663-7100. Your deductible and family maximum are based on your family's net income from two years ago. After the deductible, PharmaCare pays 70% of eligible costs, or 75% if someone in the family was born before 1940. After the family maximum, it pays 100% for the rest of the year. If you do not return the consent form that lets the plan check your income with the Canada Revenue Agency, your deductible is set at $10,000.
• Alberta: Coverage for Seniors. Coverage is added to your Alberta health care account on the first of the month after you turn 65. There is no premium. You pay 30% of each prescription, up to $35, from April 1, 2026. The program also helps with diabetes supplies, ambulance trips, and some psychology, home nursing and chiropractic costs.
• Saskatchewan: Seniors' Drug Plan. For residents 65 and older who qualify for the provincial age credit. You pay $25 per eligible prescription. To be eligible for 2027, your net income on your 2025 tax return must be $81,633 or less. If you get the GIS or the Seniors Income Plan and your cost under those rules is lower, you keep the lower cost. Call 1-800-667-7581.
• Manitoba: Pharmacare. Open to Manitobans of any age. You pay a yearly deductible based on your adjusted family income, and Pharmacare pays the rest of eligible costs. The benefit year runs April 1 to March 31. You can apply any time during the year. For 2026/2027, apply by March 31, 2027. Call 1-800-297-8099.
• New Brunswick: NB Prescription Drug Program (Seniors). For residents 65 and older who get the GIS and have no other drug coverage. An application package is mailed about 60 days before you turn 65. Seniors without the GIS can apply for the New Brunswick Drug Plan, which charges a monthly premium and a 30% co-pay, both based on income. Call 1-800-332-3692.
• Nova Scotia: Seniors' Pharmacare Program. For residents 65 and older without other drug coverage. You pay a yearly premium based on household income and a co-pay at the pharmacy. Both have yearly maximums, and some members pay a reduced premium or none. Apply online through the MSI resident portal or with the paper form.
• Prince Edward Island: Seniors' Drug Program. You are enrolled automatically at 65. For each eligible prescription, you pay $8.25 plus $7.69 of the pharmacy's professional fee. Call PEI Pharmacare at 1-877-577-3737.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 65Plus Plan. For residents 65 and older who get both Old Age Security and the GIS. No application is needed; a card is issued automatically. You pay the dispensing fee, up to $6 per prescription. Seniors who do not qualify can apply to the Assurance Plan, which helps when drug costs are high compared with income. Call 1-888-859-3535.
• Yukon: Pharmacare. For residents 65 and older, and for those aged 60 to 64 who are married to someone 65 or older. The plan covers the cost of eligible drugs, including the dispensing fee up to $11. An application is mailed to you. Call 1-800-661-0408.
• Northwest Territories: Extended Health Benefits. Residents 60 and older get eligible prescription drugs at no cost. Métis residents use the Métis Health Benefits Program, and First Nations and Inuit residents use the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Call 1-800-661-0830, extension 49462.
• Nunavut: Extended Health Benefits Seniors' Coverage. For non-Indigenous residents 65 and older enrolled in the Nunavut Health Care Plan. It covers prescription drugs on the formulary. Call 1-800-661-0833.

How to sign up for a seniors drug plan

1. In the months before you turn 65, watch your mail. Ontario sends a notice about three months ahead, and New Brunswick mails an application package about 60 days ahead. In Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and PEI, enrolment is automatic.
2. If your province asks you to register, do it before you need your first prescription at 65. In BC, register for Fair PharmaCare. In Manitoba, apply for Pharmacare. In Nova Scotia, apply for Seniors' Pharmacare.
3. Give consent for the plan to check your income with the Canada Revenue Agency when asked. Many plans base your costs on income and need this consent.
4. File your tax return every year, even with low income. Drug plans use it to set your deductible or to confirm you qualify for lower costs.
5. If your income is low, apply for any reduced-cost option, such as Ontario's Seniors Co-Payment Program. These are often not automatic.

Does national pharmacare cover my prescriptions?

The federal government has signed agreements with four provinces and territories to make a range of diabetes medications and contraception free at the pharmacy. They are British Columbia (March 6, 2025), Manitoba (February 27, 2025), Prince Edward Island (March 7, 2025) and Yukon (March 20, 2025).

If you live in one of these places and take diabetes medicine such as metformin or insulin, ask your pharmacist whether it is now covered at no cost. In other provinces and territories, your usual seniors drug plan rules apply.

What to do if a drug is not covered or you cannot afford it

If your drug is not on your plan's list, ask your doctor or nurse practitioner whether a covered drug would work just as well. Most plans also have a special approval process, where your prescriber explains why you need a drug that is not normally covered.

If costs are still high, ask your plan about programs for high drug costs, such as Ontario's Trillium Drug Program (1-800-575-5386) or Newfoundland and Labrador's Assurance Plan. If you get the GIS, tell your plan; in several provinces it lowers what you pay.

In Ontario, if you qualify for the Seniors Co-Payment Program but paid full price, apply by September 30 to be paid back for the previous program year, and send your receipts by October 31.

Things people miss

• Before you turn 65, ask your private or retiree plan how its drug coverage changes at 65. In Quebec, giving up private coverage can be permanent under some contracts.
• Many plans only base your cost on income if you file a tax return. Not filing can mean paying the highest rate.
• Ask about a 90-day supply. Paying a per-prescription fee less often can lower your yearly cost, where your plan allows it.
• What you pay out of pocket for prescriptions may count toward the medical expense tax credit.
• Veterans may have drug coverage through Veterans Affairs Canada. Call 1-866-522-2122.

Who to contact

• Ontario Drug Benefit, seniors
  Phone: 1-888-405-0405
  Toronto area: 416-503-4586
• Ontario Trillium Drug Program
  Phone: 1-800-575-5386
  Toronto area: 416-642-3038
• RAMQ (Quebec)
  Phone: 1-800-561-9749
• Health Insurance BC (Fair PharmaCare)
  Phone: 1-800-663-7100
• Saskatchewan Drug Plan
  Phone: 1-800-667-7581
  Regina: 306-787-3317
• Manitoba Pharmacare
  Phone: 1-800-297-8099
  Winnipeg: 204-786-7141
• New Brunswick Drug Plans
  Phone: 1-800-332-3692
  Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• PEI Pharmacare
  Phone: 1-877-577-3737
  Local: 902-368-4947
• Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program
  Phone: 1-888-859-3535
• Yukon Pharmacare and Extended Benefits
  Phone: 1-800-661-0408
  Whitehorse: 867-667-5403
• NWT Health Benefits
  Phone: 1-800-661-0830
  Extension 49462
• Nunavut Health Insurance Programs
  Phone: 1-800-661-0833

Common questions

Are prescriptions free for seniors in Ontario?

Not for most seniors. Under the Ontario Drug Benefit, most people 65 and older pay a $100 yearly deductible and then up to $6.11 per prescription. Lower-income seniors in the Seniors Co-Payment Program pay no deductible and up to $2 per prescription.

Do I have to apply for the Ontario Drug Benefit at 65?

No. You join automatically on the first day of the month after you turn 65. You do need to apply for the Seniors Co-Payment Program if your income is low.

What is the income limit for the Ontario Seniors Co-Payment Program?

For August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, it is $25,480 in net income for a single senior and $42,290 combined for a couple.

How much do seniors pay for prescriptions in Alberta?

Under Coverage for Seniors, you pay 30% of each prescription, up to $35, from April 1, 2026. There is no premium.

How much is the RAMQ drug deductible in 2026?

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, the monthly deductible is $21.25, with 30% co-insurance after that. The yearly maximum is $1,263, or $697 if you get part of the GIS.

Do I need to register for BC Fair PharmaCare at 65?

Yes. Fair PharmaCare is not automatic. Register online or call 1-800-663-7100, and return the income consent form.

Is national pharmacare available in my province?

Only British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Yukon have signed agreements so far. They cover a range of diabetes medications and contraception.

Are prescription drugs free for seniors on GIS?

In some places. In Quebec, they are free if you get 94% or more of the maximum GIS. In Newfoundland and Labrador, seniors with OAS and GIS pay only the dispensing fee, up to $6. In other provinces, the GIS can lower your costs.

Sources

1. Get coverage for prescription drugs (Government of Ontario)
2. The senior's Ontario Drug Benefit deductible and prescription co-payment (Government of Ontario)
3. Prescription drug insurance: Rates in effect (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)
4. Amount to pay for prescription drugs (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)
5. Turning 65 (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)
6. Fair PharmaCare plan (Government of British Columbia)
7. Coverage for Seniors program (Government of Alberta)
8. Seniors' Drug Plan (Government of Saskatchewan)
9. Pharmacare (Government of Manitoba)
10. How to apply for Pharmacare (Government of Manitoba)
11. Eligibility for the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (Government of New Brunswick)
12. Premiums and co-payments, New Brunswick Drug Plans (Government of New Brunswick)
13. Seniors' Pharmacare Program (Government of Nova Scotia)
14. Apply for the Seniors' Pharmacare Program (Government of Nova Scotia)
15. Seniors' Drug Program (Government of Prince Edward Island)
16. NLPDP plan overview (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
17. Extended health care benefits and Pharmacare for seniors (Government of Yukon)
18. Extended Health Benefits (Government of the Northwest Territories)
19. Extended Health Benefits (EHB) Seniors' Coverage (Government of Nunavut)
20. About national pharmacare (Health Canada)
21. National pharmacare bilateral agreements (Health Canada)
22. Veterans Affairs Canada: Contact us (Veterans Affairs Canada)

Related guides

• Medical expense tax credit
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Home care and support

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