When it comes to kids and their health, there's a lot of talk about how much medication they're given. In 2018, Ontario decided to make sure every kid had access to drugs they needed by launching a huge program called OHIP+. . This program covered all drugs, even drugs for both depression and to help with mental health.  But, there was a surprise twist in April 2019 when the program changed and only kids without their own insurance could get drugs paid for.

        The changes were a big deal. People wanted to know what the effect of these changes were. Were more kids getting drugs for depression and mental health? What about the ones who got drugs before but didn't get them after?

        We need to consider the impact on the children receiving drugs to help with their depression. What happened to the kids who were prescribed these drugs? Were they still able to get them? The answer is no. Some kids who were getting drugs suddenly had no way of getting them. There is a darker side to factor in. When the government makes big changes in health care, it's not just about how many drugs are given out. It's about the kids. These kids could be facing a tough time without the right help.

        How did all of this play out? Well, the overall number of kids getting antipsychotics and antidepressants dipped when they had to pay for it themselves. This is not a good thing.  If you can't afford it, then you can't get it. Not everyone can afford these drugs. This means some kids might not get the help they need, even though they need it.  The people in charge are trying to figure out how to make sure kids get the treatment they need. They're looking at the numbers. We know now the changes in OHIP+ are having a big effect.  It isn't just about the money.  It is about the kids.

        They’re trying to figure this out. They want to make sure kids get the help they need, and that this funding is made easier.  But there is no clear answer. So, where does that leave us?  We know that more kids could be getting help, even if they can't pay. This is serious business.  People are figuring out how to help. We also have to think about other problems.  All of this is changing.  We know that it is important to help the kids.  We also know that the government isn't always the best at changing things.

        Let's think about the kids again. What happens to them when they don't get the help they need?  That could mean they'll stop taking the drugs that help them.  But what happens to them then? Maybe they feel worse, not better. It all boils down to this.  We need to figure out what's best for the kids. The government and the doctors are in charge of this. People are trying to make things work. The question is, is this working?

       Here is the big problem.  When the policy changed, some kids lost their medication. That's not good.  What we need to do is find out what's best for the kids.  What are the best ways to help them?  We don't know all the answers yet.  That's why we need to keep looking.  We need to figure out what's best.  The policy changes are affecting the kids.  We need to figure this out. What is the best way to help the kids? We need to find out.  We need to make sure that all kids get the help they need.  That's the most important thing.  The kids need help.  We need to figure out the best way.

       So, what should we do? We need to fix this problem. We need to find a way to make sure all kids get the help they need.

Drug Benefits and Children's Minds: The Big Shake-up

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