Navigating RAMQ’s Public Prescription Drug Insurance: What You Need to Know for 2025-2026
The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) plays a crucial role in providing prescription drug insurance to Quebec residents who do not have private health plan coverage. This includes individuals who are not working or whose employers do not offer group insurance benefits. To reflect economic changes, RAMQ adjusts its contribution rates annually on July 1. Staying informed about these changes is key to managing your healthcare costs effectively.
Understanding RAMQ’s Annual Rate Adjustments
RAMQ adjusts its rates for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan every year on July 1. These adjustments affect the annual premium, monthly deductible, co-insurance, and maximum out-of-pocket contributions.
Here are the latest rates in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 [1]:
- Annual Premium: This contribution is paid to Revenu Québec through your tax return and can range between $0 and $766 per person, depending on your net family income.
- Monthly Deductible: A set amount paid for your first purchases of the month at the pharmacy, which remains at $22.
- Co-insurance: The percentage of the cost of covered drugs that you pay once the deductible has been met is 30%.
- Maximum Contribution: The highest amount you may pay for covered drugs is:
- Per month: $102.64
- Per year: $1,232.00
- Exception for persons age 65 or over who receive less than 94% of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):
- Per month: $57.29
- Per year: $687.00
For a comparison with plan parameters of previous years, click here.
Who is Covered Free of Charge?
Certain individuals are generally covered free of charge by the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan. These include[1]:
- Holders of a valid claim slip (carnet de réclamation).
- Children of persons covered under the public plan who are under age 18 or full-time students between the ages of 18 and 25
- Persons with an eligible functional impairment
- Persons age 65 or over receiving 94% or more of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Registering for or Deregistering from the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
RAMQ offers various ways to manage your drug insurance coverage. If you are not covered by a private plan, it is compulsory to register with the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
You can easily register or re-register for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan directly through the RAMQ website or by contacting them. Similarly, if your situation changes, you can also deregister.
It’s crucial to be aware that certain life events can significantly affect your health or prescription drug insurance coverage. RAMQ highlights these key moments:
- Turning 18: You may need to extend your parental prescription drug insurance.
- End or interruption of studies: You should notify your insurer.
- New employment: Check if your employer provides prescription drug insurance.
- New couple, separation or divorce: These changes can affect your prescription drug insurance and that of your children.
- End of employment or temporary absence: You might need to find a new insurer.
- Turning 65: You will automatically be registered with the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
- Retirement: It’s wise to check whether your insurer covers retirees.
- Moving: Whether you move within Québec or outside Québec, you need to take appropriate steps with your insurer.
- Financial assistance program with claim slip ends: You’ll need to address your prescription drug insurance.
Sources
- Rates in effect. Régie de l’assurance maladie. Retrieved July 2nd, 2025
