RAMQ provides prescription drug insurance to Quebec residents who are not insured by a private health plan. This includes individuals who do not work or whose employer does not offer group insurance benefits to their employees.
These individuals pay a contribution which is remitted to Revenu Québec annually when filing the tax return. They also share in the cost of the drugs that they purchase at the pharmacy through a monthly deductible and a coinsurance (percentage of drug costs).
RAMQ adjusts the contribution rates annually on July 1st.
This year’s rates (valid from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022)
- The maximum annual contribution has increased from $662 to $710 per person (based on net family income)
- The monthly deductible was maintained at $22.25
- The coinsurance was maintained at 35%
- The maximum monthly contribution has increased from $95.31 to $96.74 (for persons age 65 or over who receive 1% to 93% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the maximum monthly contribution increased to $55.08)
Some individuals benefit from the universal drug plan at no cost, including:
- Children of persons covered under the public plan that are under 18 years or age or full-time students under age 26
- Persons with a functional impairment that occurred before age 18
- Holders of a valid claim slip
- Persons age 65 and over who receive 94% to 100% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
For more information, consult RAMQ’s brochure for members covered under the public prescription drug insurance plan. This brochure is also available in most Quebec pharmacies.
No action required for employers
When purchasing prescription drugs, employees and dependants covered by a group insurance plan must not incur out-of-pocket expenses which exceed the maximum contribution set by RAMQ. This year, the maximum annual contribution has increased from $1,144 to $1,161. The maximum contribution is managed by insurers thus requiring no intervention from plan sponsors.
