Annual premium
In general, you pay an annual premium to Revenu Québec for coverage under the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency regulation was approved in June 2020. In this way, the Government ensured that the financial consequences of the pandemic would be minimized for insured persons during a 6-month period. This explains why the rates were once again adjusted on January 1, 2021. For further information, read the press release (in French).
The premium is:
- Variable, ranging from $0 to $662 per person, based on the annual rates in effect
- Established according to your situation and net family income
- Payable even if you do not purchase any prescription drugs
- Adjusted annually on July 1
Payment to Revenu Québec
Revenu Québec collects the annual premium through your income tax return. For 2020, you will have to pay this premium in the spring of 2021 when you file your tax return.
You have to pay the public plan premium for every full month during which you had no coverage under a private plan. To find out more, go to the webpage Premium payable under the Québec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan on the website of Revenu Québec.
Age 65 or over with supplemental coverage through a private insurer
If you are age 65 or over and only have supplemental coverage with a private insurer, you must be covered by the public plan and pay the premium for this basic coverage.
Spending one year or more outside Québec
You are no longer covered by the public plan and no longer have to pay the annual premium if you were outside Québec for an entire year. We strongly recommend that you take out personal insurance that covers prescription drugs if you spend time temporarily outside Québec. To find out more, go to the webpage Absence from Québec.
Tax credit for medical expenses
Certain medical expenses may qualify you for a tax credit. The annual premium and the amount paid for your prescription drug purchases are part of medical expenses. To apply for a tax credit, go to the webpage Refundable tax credit for medical expenses on the website of Revenu Québec.
Persons covered free of charge
The following persons are generally covered by the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan free of charge:
| Persons | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Holders of a claim slip (carnet de réclamation) | Hold a valid claim slip |
| Children of persons covered under the public plan | Under age 18: Not have access to a private plan through a student job or otherwise Age 18 to 25:
|
| Persons with a functional impairment |
|
| Persons age 65 or over | Receive 94% and more of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement |