Get help to cover your child's prescription and eye-care costs

  • How to access the program
  • What's covered?
  • How does the program work?

The Children's Drug and Optical Program helps cover costs of prescription drugs and eye care for children aged 18 and under. This program is for low-income families.


  1. How to access the program

    Who can use the program?

    Low-income families with children 18 years of age and under are covered by the program.

    Getting started with the program

    Your doctor applies to the program on behalf on behalf of your child. In communities that do not have a resident doctor, a community-health nurse can submit the application.

    Your doctor applies to the program and then you can make a purchase. But, sometimes you can make the purchase without pre-approval for the program.

    How much does medication cost?

    Search the Yukon Drug Formulary to find the cost of a medication. You can search using the:

    • brand name;
    • generic ingredient;
    • drug identification number (DIN); or
    • manufacturer name.

  2. What's covered?

    Prescriptions, eyewear and eye care

    Once enrolled, children are eligible for:

    • prescription drugs;
    • 1 eye examination every 2 years;
    • glasses every 2 years, to a maximum cost of $200; and
    • contact lenses, when recommended for medical reasons.

    Eye examinations and lenses

    Your child can have additional eye examinations and lenses:

    • if your doctor or optometrist recommends these; and
    • these are pre-approved by the director of Insured Health Programs.

    Other medical supplies

    Some medical supplies recommended by your physician or community-health nurse are also covered, such as:

    • surgical and burn dressings;
    • scabicides for scabies or cuts;
    • pediculicides for lice;
    • anaphylaxis emergency treatment kits for allergic reactions;
    • anti-fungal medications;
    • prenatal vitamins; and
    • wart treatments.

  3. How does the program work?

    When to use the program?

    If your family has other insurance, you have to use that insurance 1st.

    How to get a program card

    We issue a benefit card for each eligible child. The card will be effective from the date of enrolment to March 31 of the same fiscal year. The fiscal year is April 1 to March 31. You must reapply reapply each fiscal year for a new card.

    Who do you show your card to?

    Present the card to the pharmacist or optometrist. They'll bill the program for services provided.

    How much do you have to pay?

    Your family may be responsible for paying a portion of the prescription or optical cost every year. This is called a deductible. Once this is paid, your child will be enrolled in the program which will cover the remaining eligible expenses.

    What you should know about deductibles

    • The maximum deductible is $250 per child and $500 per family.
    • We may waive your deductible depending on your family income and the number of people in the family.

Contact 

If you have questions about the Children's Drug and Optical Program, phone 867-667-5092, or phone toll-free in Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories 1-800-661-0408, extension 5092.