💊 What Is the ODB Program?
The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program helps seniors aged 65 and over afford prescription medications. You’re automatically enrolled the first day of the month after your 65th birthday.
The ODB covers the cost of over 5,000 prescription drugs, as well as some nutrition products and diabetic testing supplies.
How payment works:
For most seniors:
- Each year (from August 1 to July 31), you pay the first $100 in total prescription costs—this is called your deductible.
- After you’ve paid the $100 deductible, you’ll pay a co-payment of up to $6.11 per prescription. Note: Your asrTrust plan will cover your deductible and co-payment costs as well as any prescribed drug costs that aren’t covered by ODB, provided the drugs are part of the Greenshield approved drug formulary.
👛 Low-Income Seniors May Pay Less
If you’re a single senior with an income under $22,200, or part of a couple with a combined income under $37,100, you may qualify for the Low-Income Seniors Co-Payment Program. If you’re approved:
- You don’t have to pay the $100 deductible
- You only pay up to $2 per prescription
You can apply by filling out the Application for the Seniors Co-Payment Program, available online, through ServiceOntario, or at your local pharmacy.
🏥 Tips for Managing Your Drug Costs
- Ask your doctor if your prescribed medication is covered by the ODB program. If it isn’t, ask if there is a generic, lower-cost or similar medication that is covered and would work just as well.
- Check if you qualify for the low-income program.
📞 Need Help?
- Call the Ontario Drug Benefit Program: 1-866-532-3161
- Visit: ontario.ca/page/get-coverage-prescription-drugs
Understanding how the ODB program works can help you stay healthy without the stress of high drug costs. The ODB program covers a significant portion of asrTrust’s member drug costs, so medications covered by ODB should always be used first. This helps manage costs for the asrTrust plan, allowing us to continue supporting other important health and dental benefits for you and your fellow members.
