Information for Hepatitis Patients
Posted by William on May 10, 2011
Canadian patients looking for financial assistance now have the Trillium program in Ontario, Canada.
What is the TRILLIUM Program?
It is a program that the Ontario Ministry of Health has developed to help a single person or family pay for expensive prescription medicines.
Who is eligible for the TRILLIUM Program?
Anybody who has a valid Health Card and who is not presently covered under Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) is eligible for the Trillium Program. That includes anybody not on Social Assistance, Mother’s Allowance, or over 65 years old. People who have private drug insurance plans can apply for the Trillium Program for government assistance to pay for the difference between the cost(s) of medication(s) and the amount that they receive from the insurance company minus their TRILLIUM deductible.
What is meant by the “deductible”?
The deductible is the portion that a person/family has to pay themselves before the Ministry of Health pays for the remaining costs of the medicines. The deductible depends on the number of dependents, and your previous year’s net income.
How do I know what my deductible will be?
Once you have applied for Trillium, you will be informed of the amount of your deductible.
If a person has a change in their financial status since their last income tax statement the Ministry of Health will accept recent proof(s) of change of income such as: E.I. slips, Disability Pension stubs, recent pay stubs, letter from present employer stating current salary.
Where do I get more information about the TRILLIUM program?
Every Pharmacist in Ontario can answer most of your questions. As well they can tell you whether the medicine(s) that the doctor has prescribed is/are covered under Ontario Drug Benefits. You may also call the TRILLIUM line directly at: 1 – 800 – 575 – 5386 to ask questions and get more information.
How does a person apply for TRILLIUM Program?
Anybody can pick up an application at any pharmacy in Ontario. Fill out the form and send it with the information that is requested in the envelope which is provided with the application.
How do I know if I am covered for the TRILLIUM Program once I have applied?
According to the Director of the TRILLIUM Program you should receive a letter back from the Program within two (2) weeks notifying you that you have been accepted into the program, or requesting additional information.
How long am I and my dependents covered under the TRILLIUM Program?
TRILLIUM Programs are approved for the government’s financial calendar year. That is for the period from APRIL 1 to MARCH 31. If you apply in December your deductible is the same as if you applied in April of the same year. Your deductible covers medicines back from April 1 of that year.
At the end of March your TRILLIUM coverage expires. The Ministry of Health will send you a form to update your information. If you send in the completed update by the time the registrations says, your registration with the TRILLIUM program will not be canceled.
How do I get reimbursed for my medicines once I am covered under the TRILLIUM Program?
What medicines are covered?
The TRILLIUM Program pays for the same medicines that are covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program. Your Pharmacist can tell you which medicines are covered.
What if a doctor prescribes a medicine that is not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program?
Your doctor can make a special written request to the Ministry of Health to have your need specially assessed. Because this is a special request it takes longer to get approval and if it becomes approved it may only be covered for a certain length of time so that its benefit can be assessed.
If the special request is approved it can only start if you have TRILLIUM coverage.