COMSOC: ONLY ODB DRUGS TO BE PAID for patients on Welfare (aka "Ontario Works")

Prescription Drug Coverage Under Ontario Works Discretionary Benefits Policy (COMMENT "Ontario Works" = WELFARE) The Ministry of Community and Social Services has informed the OMA of a change to the Ontario Works discretionary benefits policy that will impact patients who receive social assistance. Effective September 1, 2013, prescription drugs not listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary will no longer be covered by Ontario Works as a discretionary benefit. This change will impact both Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients. In order to transition existing clients who receive coverage under this benefit, administrators will have the discretion to continue to fund prescription drugs not listed on the ODB Formulary under exceptional circumstances for a period of up to six months, until February 28, 2014. The transitional period will allow these clients time to speak with their physicians to arrange alternative approaches to their treatment. It is anticipated that some social assistance recipients who are currently being prescribed medication that is not listed on the ODB Formulary may be approaching their physicians in the coming weeks and months to arrange alternative approaches to their treatment. Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients will continue to have access to prescription medication through the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary as a mandatory benefit. The Honourable Ted McMeekin Minister of Community and Social Services Ted McMeekin was re-elected into the riding of Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale in 2011 for a fourth consecutive term. He was appointed Minister of Community and Social Services in February 2013. Previously, he served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister of Consumer and Business Services. Ted has a long history of community service. He served as Mayor of Flamborough from 1994-2000 and Hamilton City Councillor from 1977-1981. As MPP for the riding of Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, Ted has been a powerful advocate for seniors, children with special needs, farm risk-management programs, strategic infrastructure investment and our local environment. Ted is a driven volunteer. He has worked to make a difference with many local organizations including the Hamilton Mental Health Association, Wesley Urban Ministries, the Five Oaks Christian Workers Centre, the Circle of Friends and Operation Lifeline. Ted served as President of both the Hamilton and Burlington YMCA and the Hamilton-Wentworth Lung Association. He has acted as an overseas volunteer, a church youth group leader and a baseball and soccer coach.