As soon as you turn 65, you are automatically registered for the public prescription drug insurance plan. You must pay an annual premium, whether or not you buy prescription drugs or are covered by supplementary private insurance.

Possibilities as of age 65

You must pay the annual premium if:

• you are already registered with the public prescription drug insurance plan; or
• you are already registered with the public prescription drug insurance plan and you have supplementary private insurance.

You do not have to pay the annual premium if you have a private plan with basic coverage for prescription drugs. In that case, you must contact the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec to deregister from the public plan (if you have not already done so).

Calculating the premium

To calculate the amount of the annual premium you have to pay, complete Schedule K in the income tax return. For 2019, the premium can be up to $626 per spouse.

For more information, see Premium Payable under the Québec Prescription Drug Insurance Plan on our website.