Ontario Health Insurance Plan changed for youth from April 1

The Ontario Government will no longer offer free prescription for anyone under the age of 24 with private insurance as of April 1.

Children and young adults without a private plan will remain enrolled in the Ontario health Insurance Plan and the private plan holders will no longer eligible for OHIP.

According to a release from the province, this will benefit for youth without private plan.

“Our government recognizes the important contributions of private insurers and employers in providing health benefits to families across the province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in the media release. “These changes to the program will continue to ensure children and youth receive the prescription drugs they need. We are committed to focusing resources on those who need them the most.”

Those who have a private plan can apply to the Trillium Drug Program. The program will help all OHIP-insured Ontarians who have high prescription drug costs as compared to their household income.