Prescription Drugs
What is covered?
- 100% of the cost of covered drugs prescribed by a physician
What is not covered?
- Natural health products (e.g., vitamins)
Vaccinations are generally not covered by your plan; however, they are usually covered by provincial governments. If there is a vaccination that is not covered by your provincial government, please contact GreenShield to confirm if it is covered by your plan.
Do you live in Quebec?
Your plan will cover your prescription drug costs so you don’t have to pay the RAMQ premium. All you need to do is deregister from the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
Click here to learn more and deregister.
Brand-name vs. generic drugs: What is the difference?
Brand-name drugs | Generic drugs |
|---|---|
Made and patented by a major pharmaceutical company and generally first to market
Brand often becomes a household name, like Lipitor or Viagra More expensive than their generic counterparts | Made by other pharmaceutical companies after a patent on a brand-name drug expires
Often named after their active ingredient and not as recognizable Health Canada-approved, and same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts |
How brand-name and generic drugs are paid by your plan
If the drug you are prescribed has …
A brand-name option ONLY
- Your plan will cover 100%
A generic option that costs less than the brand-name
- Your plan will cover the lowest-priced generic option
- If you choose to purchase the brand-name drug, you will pay the cost difference
A brand-name option that costs less than the generic
- Your plan will cover the lowest-priced brand-name option
Show your GreenShield benefit card to the pharmacist when you drop off your prescription, or when you are picking it up. This helps make sure you won’t need to pay for your prescription out of your pocket.
Prior authorization for certain prescription drugs
Some prescription drugs require prior authorization. You can find out if the drug you’re considering requires prior authorization by logging in to your account at greenshield.ca, emailing GreenShield at customer.service@greenshield.ca, or calling GreenShield at 1-877-266-5494.
If you visit greenshield.ca: Search for the drug name or DIN (drug identification number). If the drug requires prior authorization, you will be provided with next steps on accessing a prior authorization form.
If you call GreenShield or send an email: Provide the drug name or DIN, and GreenShield will confirm if the drug requires prior authorization, and will give you directions on accessing a prior authorization form.
If your drug is approved: Your plan will cover the drug cost.
If your drug is not approved: Your physician will be contacted to discuss alternatives.
Choose your pharmacy with care: don’t be afraid to shop around!
While your plan covers all dispensing fees, drug dispensing fees are not the same at all pharmacies. There can be up to an $8 difference in dispensing fees depending where you shop. Brand name pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and pharmacies in big box stores all price very differently.
asrTrust pays over 2.5 million drug claims a year, so these little costs of higher dispensing fees can add up.
You can help your plan remain sustainable by shopping around for a pharmacy with lower dispensing fees.
Take some time to think about what you get for the dispensing fees charged: Do you have a wonderful relationship with your pharmacist? Do they go the extra mile and take the time to explain your prescriptions? Do they offer advice to support your total health? Are they conveniently located?
Did you know? Pharmacies are required to post their dispensing fee charges so you know how much you will be charged before you fill your prescription.
