Prescription medication now free for everyone under 25

By Millar Hill

Prescription medications are now free for everyone in Ontario under the age of 25.

Ontario has become the first province to fully cover prescriptions for children and youth who are OHIP-insured.

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care says cost should never be a barrier that prevents younger generations from receiving health care.

“We are protecting the health and lives of all children and youth in Ontario, 24 years of age and younger, by providing easy access to prescription medication at no cost,” Hoskins said in a media release. “That will also lift the financial burden off parents who are without coverage.”

According to a recent report by the Conference Board of Canada, approximately 1.2 million people without drug coverage are going to benefit from OHIP+.

The province estimates the number of people who are currently ineligible for drug coverage under a public or private insurance plan in Ontario will drop from 13.2 per cent to just four per cent.

Young people and parents now have access to more than 4,400 medications across the province. Some of the medications include depression and anxiety medication, insulin or diabetic test strips, antibiotics, asthma inhalers and birth control pills.