GreenShield Cares about essential medicines

GreenShield Cares is changing that by partnering with organizations to help underserved and equity-seeking Canadians access quality dental care.Access to essential medicines is a fundamental human right.

While over 97 per cent of Canadians have some form of drug coverage, more than one million Canadians do not.1


The GreenShield Cares Essential Medicines program, which launched in Ontario and expanded to Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia, helps bridge this accessibility divide by ensuring individuals never go without the medicines they need.

Ontario residents apply here  →Nova Scotia residents apply here  →Alberta residents apply here  →British Columbia residents apply here  →

Our Essential Medicines program by the numbers

250+ Community partners 

Our partners are crucial in improving health outcomes and providing support to underserved communities.

16,000+ Prescriptions filled

Thanks to GreenShield Pharmacy, participants’ medications are delivered directly to their doorstep at no cost. 

11,000+ Canadians supported through EMP

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.

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The inability to afford medicines essential for good health should never be a barrier. The GreenShield Cares Essential Medicines program provides prescription medication free of charge to individuals living without private prescription drug coverage, or who are unable to access benefits from a provincial drug program.

GreenShield is focused on increasing access to care

Here’s how we’re improving health outcomes for Canadians

Essential medicines program expansion

Press release: GreenShield expands essential medicines program across Canada to bridge gaps in drug coverage for underserved Canadians 

Read more  →
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Prescription drug coverage in Nova Scotia

Our program helps Nova Scotians access vital medicines.

Read more  →
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Prescription drug coverage in Ontario

Find out if our free Essential Medicines program is right for you.

Read more  →
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Essential Medicines program application

Select a province to begin the application process.

Ontario residents apply here  →
Nova Scotia residents apply here  →
Alberta residents apply here  →
British Columbia residents apply here  →

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No out-of-pocket costs.
No copays or deductibles.
Free delivery of medications.
We are championing Better Health for All by bridging the gap in access to essential medicines.

1 The Conference Board of Canada (2022)
2 Eligible benefits are limited to a maximum of $1,000 per 12 months from the enrolment date with the option to reapply. This includes the cost of medication and dispensing fees.

3 UnityHealth, CLEAN Meds Study
4 Net income criteria amounts are subject to change. Please contact the program Specialist for information about current total household net income threshold information.

5 Individuals who are eligible for the Ontario Trillium Drug Program, Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare, or Alberta Non-Group Coverage and want to learn more about the Essential Medicines program are encouraged to contact GreenShield Pharmacy or the program Specialist.