Federal

GreenShield Cares Essential Medicines Program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program provides up to $1,000 of prescription drug coverage to eligible patients.

Eligible participants can receive 12 months of drug coverage for eligible medications included in GreenShield’s approved essential medicines list. There are no out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pay's with this coverage.

At this time, the program currently operates in the following provinces:

  • Alberta
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario

Eligibility is determined by your provincial location, individuals must meet the following criteria in their province:

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 program

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 program

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 program

Proof of  residency in Province/ Territory

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Proof of income

For example:

Pay stubs, pension statements (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security), rental property income, income tax returns, income tax notice of assessment, business/rental/farming income, disability or veterans affairs pension, child and spousal support payments, GST credit.

Health card

For example:

  • valid health card with no photo, name and address
  • valid health card with photo, name and address
  • MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
  • Valid ambulance/dental services card
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).

Applicants can apply in two ways:

  1. Download and submit an application form via email to a program specialist at [email protected].
  2. Complete an online provincial application

For assistance, applicants can contact an 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: [email protected]

Last updated: October 17, 2025