Your 2025 guide to accessing life-changing medications through Ontario’s support programs
The cost of prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have private insurance. But if you’re an Ontario resident, you may be eligible for support through the Trillium Drug Program— a government initiative designed to help households manage high prescription costs.
At Viva Health Pharmacy, we help our patients navigate this program every day. If you’re wondering whether Trillium covers Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications, here’s everything you need to know in 2025.
What is the Trillium Drug Program?
The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is part of Ontario’s publicly funded health system. It’s designed for residents who have high prescription drug costs relative to their income—even if they don’t qualify for other OHIP-funded programs like Ontario Works or the ODB (Ontario Drug Benefit).
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Be an Ontario resident with a valid OHIP card
- Not have adequate private insurance (or only partial coverage)
- Spend a large portion of your income on prescription medications
🧮 The deductible is based on your household income (usually around 4% annually).
How Does Trillium Work?
- Apply online or by mail
- Get approved and assigned a deductible based on your income
- After meeting your deductible, Trillium will cover most drug costs for the rest of the year
- You’ll only pay a small co-pay (typically $2–$6 per prescription)
🕓 Coverage is divided into four quarters per year — so you don’t have to meet your full deductible all at once.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has significant off-label benefits for weight loss, making it a sought-after drug for both diabetes management and obesity care.
- Dosage: Once-weekly injection
- Common brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus (oral form)
- Approximate cost (without insurance): $300–$400/month
⚠️ Ozempic is only covered by public drug plans when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is another semaglutide-based medication—specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related conditions.
- Dosage: Once-weekly injection
- Not yet widely available in Canada, but expected to become more accessible in 2025
- Estimated cost: $400–$500/month
🛑 As of 2025, Wegovy is not yet covered by OHIP or Trillium, but this may change as Health Canada updates coverage policies.
Does Trillium Cover Ozempic?
Yes — but only under specific conditions.
To access Ozempic through Trillium, your physician must confirm that:
- You have type 2 diabetes
- Other medications like metformin are not controlling your blood sugar
- You meet the Limited Use (LU) criteria as defined in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
Your doctor will include a Limited Use code on your prescription to activate Trillium/OHIP coverage.
Does Trillium Cover Wegovy?
Not yet.
Wegovy is not currently listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary, and therefore is not covered by OHIP or the Trillium Drug Program.However, this may change in the coming months. Stay tuned via:
What If You Don’t Qualify for Trillium?
You still have options:
- Private insurance: Many employer or personal insurance plans cover Ozempic and Wegovy.
- Manufacturer programs: Some drug companies offer patient assistance cards or co-pay support.
- Alternative medications:
- Trulicity, Bydureon, or Rybelsus (other GLP-1 drugs)
- SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance or Farxiga (also covered)
We’ll help you explore all alternatives based on your health needs and budget.
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Trillium just for Ozempic?
Yes, if your drug costs are high enough and you’re eligible, Trillium can help reduce the cost of Ozempic.How long does it take to get approved for Trillium?
Typically 2–6 weeks. We can help you get started today.What’s the difference between OHIP and Trillium?
OHIP is your overall health insurance plan. Trillium is a drug cost assistance program under OHIP, for people without good private coverage.Is there a deductible for Trillium?
Yes — based on your household income (around 4% annually). After that, prescriptions are heavily subsidized.
Your Trusted Partner in Diabetes & Weight Care
At Viva Health Pharmacy, we’re proud to support the Richmond Hill community with expert guidance and real support. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
📞 Call us: 905-237-5567
📩 Email: info@vivahealthpharmacy.com
📍 Visit: 9580 Yonge St, Unit 5, Richmond Hill, ON
