The Voice of Canada News

Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, released the following statement today regarding changes to OHIP+:

“Today, our government is announcing our intent to fix the OHIP+ program by focussing benefits on those who do not have existing prescription drug benefits.

Children and youth who are not covered by private benefits would continue to receive their eligible prescriptions free. Those who are covered by private plans would bill those plans first, with the government covering all remaining eligible costs of prescriptions.

This new system would be more efficient, saving the taxpayers money and dedicating resources to the people who need it most. Even more importantly, it would continue to guarantee that children and youth still receive the prescription drugs they need.

Since insurance plans can cover thousands more drugs than the 4,400 currently available through OHIP+, children and youth would have access to more medications than under the current program.

Private insurers have previously given the government a grace period for some medications, which is set to expire on July 1. We are asking those insurance groups to extend this grace period as we make these changes.

We look forward to working with insurance groups to ensure a smooth transition to this updated system.

Premier Ford promised the people he would find efficiencies without compromising service or jobs, and we are delivering.”