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 (Schedule K). 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).
No change to the RAMQ contribution for 2022
RAMQ indexes the contribution rates annually on July 1st. In a rare occurrence since the launch of the universal drug plan in 1997, the plan parameters will remain unchanged for the upcoming year. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, believes that taxpayers will welcome the contribution freeze amid a period of mounting inflationary pressures and emphasized the government’s commitment to controlling costs and optimizing access to health services.
Many factors impacting costs were considered with the objective of maintaining the financial viability of the universal drug plan all while ensuring that each citizen has fair and equitable access to prescription medication regardless of their health. Ultimately, this year’s contribution freeze was made possible thanks to savings to drug costs negotiated with manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs as well as the switch to biosimilar drugs which are significantly less expensive than their reference biological products.
This year’s rates (valid from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023)
- The maximum annual contribution is $710 per person (based on net family income)
- The monthly deductible is $22.25
- The coinsurance is 35%
- The maximum monthly contribution is $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.
