Grant: Project Grant

Our project evaluates Ontario's OHIP+ program, which provides free prescription drugs to youths under 25, with a focus on its impact on economic outcomes, healthcare utilization, and mental & social wellbeing. Canada faces a mental health crisis among its youth, with over 1.2 million young people affected by mental health disorders, and 1 in 5 struggling to afford essential medications. This issue is compounded by high rates of suicide and mental health emergencies among Canadian youth. Moreover, a 2019 policy change excluded postsecondary students with private insurance from OHIP+, which risks worsening mental health outcomes by limiting access to affordable medications. This study uses longitudinal health administrative data and community-driven qualitative methods to answer four key questions: 1) What are the medication needs of Ontario youths aged 18-24, and how are psychiatric medications utilized across demographic groups? 2) How did OHIP+ affect economic outcomes, healthcare utilization, and mental & social well-being outcomes for youth in Ontario, and how do these effects vary by gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic, and rurality status? 3) What were the consequences of the 2019 policy amendment excluding youths with private insurance on the aforementioned outcomes? 4) How do youths' lived experiences with OHIP+ reveal insights into the impact of the program, especially for marginalized groups? Our findings will contribute evidence to inform Canada's national pharmacare policy by evaluating whether comprehensive drug coverage improves youth mental health and well-being. By highlighting the benefits and challenges of OHIP+, this research can shape future policy decisions to better support young Canadians across diverse social groups.