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 premium 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).
RAMQ adjusts the contribution rates annually on July 1st.
This year’s rates (valid from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)
- The maximum annual premium has increased from $710 to $731 per person (based on net family income)
- The monthly deductible has increased from $22.25 to $22.90
- The coinsurance has decreased from 35% to 33%
- The maximum monthly out-of-pocket has increased from $96.74 to $99.65 (for persons age 65 or over who receive 1% to 93% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the maximum monthly out-of-pocket increased from $55.08 to $56.17)
While over 3.9 million residents are covered by the public drug insurance plan, approximately 33% pay no annual premium and 21% benefit from prescription drugs at no cost, including:
- Children of persons covered under the public plan that are under 18 years of age, or full-time students under age 26
- Persons with a functional impairment that occurred before age 18
- Holders of a valid claim slip
- Persons age 65 and over who receive 94% to 100% of the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
History of the General Drug Insurance Program (RGAM)
The RGAM is a unique program across Canada which, in collaboration with private group insurance plans, ensures that all Quebecers have reasonable and fair access to medication. While the program is not without flaws, it is the most generous public drug plan across Canada.
The chart below illustrates the evolution of costs since the creation of the public drug plan in 1997. While there has been a visible increase in the annual premium billed to residents over the years, this has also been coupled with a consistent deterioration in the coverage offered as noted by the increase in deductibles born by patients, decrease in the amount reimbursed (coinsurance) and increase in the out-of-pocket maximum that triggers gratuity.
RAMQ Drug Plan Costs Over Time
- Maximum Annual Premium ($)
- Monthly Deductible ($)
- Coinsurance (%)
- Maximum Monthly Out-of-Pocket ($)
- Maximum Annual Premium ($)
- Monthly Deductible ($)
- Coinsurance (%)
- Maximum Monthly Out-of-Pocket ($)
* Plan parameters are adjusted annually on July 1st, except otherwise specified.
