Changes to ODSP/ACSD Drug Benefits as of December 1st, 2016

Making it Easier

As of December 1, 2016, you will stop receiving a paper drug eligibility card with your monthly statement of assistance.

Going forward, you and each of your family members can use your Ontario health cards, instead of the paper drug card, to access prescription drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit program.

If you aren't eligible for an Ontario health card, you will continue to get a monthly paper drug card until you do become eligible.

To ease this transition, you will be able use your November 2016
paper drug card at your pharmacy as proof of eligibility for December.

Making the change

The switch from the paper drug card to the Ontario health card applies to clients of these programs:

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), including First Nation ODSP clients and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

• Ontario Works municipalities and DSSABs, including M'Chigeeng First Nation Ontario Works and Temporary Care Assistance (TCA)

At your pharmacy

When you show your health card at the pharmacy, let your pharmacist or pharmacy staff know which program plan you're on:

• Plan C: ODSP and ACSD clients
• Plan D: Ontario Works and TCA clients

Eye exams and physiotherapy

Until now, your monthly paper drug card was used as proof of social assistance eligibility for routine eye exams and physiotherapy.

Going forward, you can present your monthly statement of assistance to these service providers. If your name is not listed on the statement of assistance, the person providing you with the service should call the Social Assistance Verification Helpline to verify that you are eligible.

Getting a health card

Find out how to get an Ontario health card by visiting your nearest ServiceOntario office or calling the ServiceOntario INFOline:

Toll-free: 1-888-789-4199
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-387-5559

You can also go to ontario.ca/healthcard for more information.