GreenShield Cares about essential medicines
Access to essential medicines is a fundamental human right.
While over 97 per cent of Canadians have some form of drug coverage, one million Canadians do not.1 The GreenShield Cares Essential Medicines program, which launched in Ontario and recently expanded to Nova Scotia, helps bridge this accessibility divide ensuring individuals never go without the medicines they need.
Our Essential Medicines program by the numbers
100+
Community partners
Our partners are crucial in improving health outcomes and providing support to underserved communities.
4800+
Prescriptions filled
Thanks to GreenShield Pharmacy, participants’ medications are delivered directly to their doorstep at no cost.
4000+
Lives positively impacted
By reducing prescription expenses, program participants can focus on meeting other basic needs.
How our program helps
From single parents working multiple jobs to keep their family afloat to freelancers working from contract to contract, many Canadians can’t afford vital medications to maintain their health. As a result, these individuals often must choose between paying for their prescription medication or meeting their basic needs, which could lead to poor long-term health outcomes and a lower quality of life.
The inability to afford essential medicines should never be a barrier to good health. The GreenShield Cares program provides essential medicines free of charge for those without private prescription drug coverage, who are not eligible for assistance from a government-funded prescription drug program.
We're focused on increasing access to care
Here’s how GreenShield is helping to fill the gaps in the Canadian health care system.
Essential medicines program launch
Press release: GreenShield launches a first-of-its-kind program to provide essential medications.
Prescription drug coverage in Nova Scotia
Our program helps Nova Scotians access vital medicines.
Prescription drug coverage in Ontario
Find out if our free Essential Medicines program is right for you.
It's in our DNA to find a better way
How does GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program work?
Essential medicines are drugs that meet the priority health care needs of a population and are selected based on evidence for clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program provides eligible patients coverage of up to $1,0002 for prescription drugs included in an approved essential medicines list. Developed by members of GreenShield’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, this list is informed by the World Health Organization’s model list of essential medicines and research results affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.3 These medications are dispensed and delivered by GreenShield Pharmacy.
Why did GreenShield develop this program?
GreenShield was founded on the belief that all Canadians deserve the opportunities that better health unlocks. As a non-profit health and benefits company, giving back isn’t what we do, it’s who we are. We’re helping to bridge the essential medicines gap by reinvesting our earnings and redeploying our health services to support underserved and equity-seeking communities.
While 97 per cent of Canadians have some form of coverage for essential medicines, one million Canadians do not have prescription drug coverage.1
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Ontario:
- Resident of Ontario
- Currently employed
- Aged 25 to 64
- Have a household income below the program threshold
- Need or anticipate the need for prescription medications to treat a medical condition
- Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
- Not enrolled or participating in a provincial program that provides prescription drug coverage.
Nova Scotia:
- Resident of Nova Scotia
- Currently employed
- Aged 18 to 64
- Have a household income below the program threshold
- Need or anticipate the need for prescription medications to treat a medical condition
- Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
- Not enrolled or participating in a provincial program that provides prescription drug coverage. Exception: Individuals eligible for, but not enrolled in, Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare may apply
How do I apply?
You can apply via the links below or download the application for Nova Scotia or Ontario and submit your application form to our program specialist via email: essentialmedicines@greenshield.ca
Questions? Please contact our Essential Medicines program Specialist between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (ET)
Phone: 519-739-1208 or toll-free at 1-888-348-5188
Email: essentialmedicines@greenshield.ca
Essential Medicines program application
Select a province to begin the application process.
No out-of-pocket costs.
No co-pays or deductibles.
Free delivery of medications.
We are championing Better Health for All by bridging the gap on essential medicines.
1 The Conference Board of Canada, Understanding the Gap 2.0
2 Details have been changed to protect privacy.
3 Eligible benefits are limited to a maximum of $1,000 per 12 months from enrolment date. This includes the cost of medication and dispensing fees.
4 UnityHealth, CLEAN Meds Study