HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-08-19, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19,1992.
ACAREFUL
CHANGES TO THE ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM
The Ministry of Health is changing the
Ontario Drug Benefit program, effective
August 25.
The ministry asked an independent
group of health experts to recommend
changes to the program. As a result,
some new drugs are being added, and
others are being taken off.
Prescription drugs necessary for
serious health conditions will continue to
be available, at no direct cost, to those on
the program. As well, over-the-counter
products such as insulin for diabetes are
still covered.
Among the products being added to
the program are a new slow release drug
to treat Parkinson’s disease, and a drug for
the treatment of shingles. Products like
sunscreens, multiple vitamins and antihis
tamines are among those being removed.
In total, the changes affect a small per
centage of drugs covered by the program.
Why Make the Changes?
The government is working to better
manage health care spending. It now
spends over $1 billion a year on the
Ontario Drug Benefit program alone.
Costs have risen 18 per cent annually
during the past 10 years. With these
changes we hope to keep the increase to
14 per cent.
More Information?
The Ontario Drug Benefit program pro
vides benefits to people 65 and over, and
people receiving social assistance.
For more information on how these
changes may affect you, call the min
istry’s toll-free Infoline.
1-800-268-1154
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