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• How does GreenShield determine which drugs are covered through the Essential Medicines program?

  GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program provides up to $1,0002 of prescription drug coverage for 12 months from enrolment date. The Essential Medicines program is open to anyone meeting program criteria, and a referral is not required to apply.

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  It’s important to understand the program and criteria before applying. The program works with many community health and social service agencies with staff who refer, or who assist individuals with applying to the program.

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  Once an individual’s application is processed:

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  1. The member receives notification via email or Canada post (dependent on their preference and consent).
  2. If approved, the member is provided with a fact sheet and an approval letter which outlines their Essential Medicines program plan member identification number and their program start and end date. Coverage is effective within 5 business days of approval.
  3. Participants are advised to share their participation in this program and their approval package with providers.
  4. Medications are dispensed exclusively by GreenShield Pharmacy at no additional cost so participants must share GreenShield Pharmacy information with prescribers, so they know where to send prescriptions. GreenShield Pharmacy works very closely with prescribers.
  5. GreenShield Pharmacy speaks with participants about their medication needs as part of the onboarding process and works with their prescribers, as needed.
  6. If applicable, GreenShield Pharmacy contacts the new member’s pharmacy and manages transfer of prescriptions if needed.
  7. Medications are dispensed to the participant’s home at no additional cost.
  8. Members may create a GreenShield+ online account where they can order prescriptions, view claims history, check drug eligibility, and much more.

  Agencies that would like to learn more about how to help their clients participate in the program can contact the program Specialist at essentialmedicines@greenshield.ca or call 1-519-735-1208.

• Why did GreenShield develop this program?

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• How does GreenShield determine which drugs are covered through the Essential Medicines program?

  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 up to $1,0002 of prescription drug coverage to eligible patients for 12 months from enrolment date towards eligible medications. The Essential Medicines program drug list was informed by the World Health Organization’s model list of essential medicines and used the results of research affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital CLEAN Meds List in Toronto. The type of medications provided through the Essential Medicines program is updated regularly and maintained by members of GreenShield’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Program participants receive medications dispensed and delivered at no additional cost by GreenShield Pharmacy.

• Who is eligible for the Essential Medicines program?

  The Essential Medicines program is open to anyone, and a referral is not required to apply; however, it’s important to understand the program’s criteria before applying. The program works with many community health and social service agencies with staff who refer, or who assist individuals with applying to the program.

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  Please review the criteria relevant to the province in which you or your client is applying below:

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  Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta info remains the same; at the end after Alberta’s criteria, please add new province information below:

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  British Columbia:

  • Resident of British Columbia
  • Currently Employed
  • Aged 19+
  • Have a household net income below the program threshold
  • Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
  • Must be enrolled in BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Must be enrolled in Fair PharmaCare

  Ontario:

  • Resident of Ontario
  • Currently employed
  • Aged 25 to 64
  • Have a household net income below the program threshold⁴
  • Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
  • Not enrolled in, or currently participating in a provincial drug program⁵

  Nova Scotia:

  • Resident of Nova Scotia
  • Currently employed
  • Aged 18 to 64
  • Have a household net income below the program threshold⁴
  • Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
  • Not enrolled in, or currently participating in a provincial drug program⁵

  Alberta:

  • Resident of Alberta
  • Currently employed
  • Aged 18 to 64
  • Have a household net income below the program threshold⁴
  • Not enrolled in a private or employee prescription drug plan, regardless of the level of coverage available
  • Not enrolled in, or currently participating in a provincial drug program⁵

• How do I apply to the Essential Medicines program?

  It’s important to understand the program before applying. The Essential Medicines program is open to anyone meeting program criteria, and a referral is not required to apply. The program works with many community health and social service agencies with staff who refer, or who assist individuals with applying to the program. 
   
  Please review the criteria relevant to the province in which you or your client is applying. Processing times vary depending on volume but on average, take between 2-15 business days.  
   
  You can apply via the links below and at the top of this webpage, or download the application for Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta or British Columbia. Submit applications via fax at 1-519-735-8046 or send to our program Specialist via email at essentialmedicinces@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 1-888-525-7587 
Email: essentialmedicines@greenshield.ca