The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is an initiative by the Ontario government designed to assist residents who face high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. To qualify for the TDP, applicants must:
- Reside in Ontario.
- Possess a valid Ontario health card.
- Not be eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit program (e.g., not enrolled in programs like Ontario Works).
- Lack an insurance plan that covers 100% of prescription drug costs.
- Spend approximately 4% or more of their after-tax household income on prescription medications.
The program covers around 5,000 prescription drugs available through the Ontario Drug Benefit program and approximately 1,000 additional drug products under specific criteria via the Exceptional Access Program.
Applicants are required to apply as a household, which includes spouses and dependents as defined by the program’s guidelines. The TDP operates on an annual cycle from August 1 to July 31. To be reimbursed for eligible drugs purchased in the previous program year, applications should be submitted by September 30. The deductible is typically about 4% of the household’s after-tax income, divided into four quarterly payments. Once the deductible is met, participants pay up to $2 for each prescription until the program year concludes.
For more detailed information and application procedures, please visit the official Ontario government page: