News Archive
Get connected to your health
July 14, 2011
The Manitoba government has launched a new interactive on-line health assessment tool exclusively for Manitobans.
Health e-Plan is a self-guided tool that can help you better understand your current health status and learn ways to make changes to improve your health over time. Visit the Province of Manitoba's Health e-Plan to create your own confidential personalized wellness profile.
A caring cross of another colour
Manitoba Blue Cross employees reach out to fellow Manitobans with a donation to the Red Cross Manitoba Flood Relief.
May 27, 2011
Manitoba Blue Cross extends its heartfelt support to families in Manitoba who are fighting to save their homes, farms, cottages and properties during the 2011 flood. Know that every Manitoban is behind you, thinking of you, and wishing you a speedy recovery from all that you have endured and continue to endure. We are Manitobans and it will take a lot more than this flood to break our Manitoban spirit.
To assist with flood relief, the employees of Manitoba Blue Cross coordinated a number of fund-raising activities. We are proud of our caring group of employees and their commitment to the community and "colour of caring" philosophy, and therefore, Manitoba Blue Cross happily agreed to match their fund-raising efforts dollar for dollar. This allowed Manitoba Blue Cross to make a donation of $5,000 to the Red Cross Manitoba Flood Relief.
See how we can all make a difference. Visit the Canadian Red Cross.
Important Announcement
May 13, 2011
The City of Winnipeg has advised Manitoba Blue Cross and other insurance carriers that effective May 16, 2011 the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will no longer bill carriers directly for ambulance services. This means you will need to pay for ambulance services and submit your receipt to Manitoba Blue Cross for reimbursement.
Other Manitoba ambulance providers are continuing with their current billing practices. If, for any reason you are required to pay these other providers for your ambulance services, submit your receipt to Manitoba Blue Cross for reimbursement.
Thank-you for choosing Manitoba Blue Cross and for your understanding as we work though this change.
Travel Advisory for Egypt Issued
February 8, 2011
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued an advisory against all travel to Egypt due to demonstrations and protests, civil unrest, high levels of criminal activity and violence throughout the country, and the threat of terrorist attacks.
Manitoba Blue Cross urges Manitoba travellers to familiarize themselves with their travel coverage to ensure they are protected against the possibility that the unrest in Egypt spills over into other countries in the region.
Note the following cancellation policy information:
If a Subscriber is compelled to return prior to or later than the original scheduled return date and/or to incur certain expenses due to a delayed return because of the occurrence of the situation below, then the Subscriber shall be entitled to the benefits that are in accordance with the coverage selected on the application:
a travel advisory and/or travel warning issued by the Canadian Government after the date the trip is booked, recommending not to travel to the contracted destination on the contracted dates.
Manitoba Blue Cross individual travel policy coverage excludes loss caused or contributed to by a cause of cancellation, which existed at the time of application, including the issuing of an advisory against travel to a particular country or region.
Travellers who have purchased an individual travel plan in preparation for a trip to Egypt should contact the Manitoba Blue Cross Information Service Centre at 204.775.0151 or toll-free at 1.800.873.2583 for information concerning the conditions of their policy.
Travel coverage from Manitoba Blue Cross offers financial protection against unforeseen expenses due to forced trip cancellation and medical bills incurred beyond Manitoba borders. In the case of an emergency, Manitoba Blue Cross travel coverage can also offer you 24-hour worldwide travel assistance that can assist you when you are hospitalized outside of Canada. View the Individual Travel section of our website for more product information.
Message for Individual Product Customers
January 28, 2011
Effective January 1, 2012, income tax receipts for Individual Product Customers will be available through the Manitoba Blue Cross Customer E-Service site. If you choose to request a printed receipt through our Information and Customer Service Centre, a standard service charge of $15.00 will apply. If you are not yet registered for Customer E-Service — our online portal to benefit information, plan details, claim information and more — take a moment and register online today.
Government of Canada vaccination tips for travellers
January 14, 2011
Does your doctor know about your travel plans? The Government of Canada recommends you speak to your doctor about vaccinations before you travel abroad. You may need to update your vaccination or receive additional shots, depending on where you plan to visit.
You can learn more about vaccines for travellers on the Travel Health section of the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Reminder: You now need a passport to travel to Mexico
November 4, 2010
As of March 1, 2010, Canadian travellers and Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, will have to present a valid passport in order to enter Mexico. Canadians without a valid passport will be returned to Canada.
For other mandatory requirements see section four of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada travel report on Mexico.
Federal Budget Change: Cosmetic Procedures no longer considered Tax-Exempt Medical Expense
May 14, 2010
In the federal budget announced on March 4, 2010, expenses incurred for purely cosmetic procedures will no longer be eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Because eligibility for the METC governs what expenses can be covered by a private health plan, Manitoba Blue Cross can no longer cover these expenses under our Health Spending Account (HSA). Cosmetic procedures are not covered under any of our Extended Health Care plans, and so these plans are not impacted by this change.
Common examples of cosmetic procedures include liposuction, hair replacement procedures, Botox injections, teeth whitening and rhinoplasty.
If the cosmetic procedure is required for medical or reconstructive purposes, such as deformities resulting from a congenital abnormality, injury or a disfiguring disease, the expenses will qualify under the METC, and will be considered an eligible medical expense under our HSA plans when members provide a letter from their doctor indicating that the procedure was required for medical or reconstructive purposes. Otherwise, claims for cosmetic procedures incurred after March 4, 2010, will be rejected.
Common examples of procedures that do qualify under the METC and will be considered an eligible medical expense under our HSA plans with the accompaniment of a doctor's letter include sclerotherapy and other procedures for removal of varicose veins and laser therapy for acne performed by a medical doctor or dermatologist.
The following procedures and prescription products are not impacted by this change and will continue to be eligible expenses under the terms of our HSA plans:
- laser eye surgery
- cyst removal
- acne medication ("Accutane")
- acne cream ("Clindoxyl")
- orthodontia (e.g. braces)
To inquire about coverage for products or services not listed here, please contact us
at 204.775.0151 (or toll-free 1.800.873.2583), or visit us at Products section of our website.
To find out if an expense qualifies for the METC, please contact Canada Revenue Agency
at 1.800.959.8281, or visit their website at www.cra.gc.ca and search for "which medical expenses are eligible".
Community News
Mount Carmel Clinic
Mount Carmel Clinic is a non-profit health centre whose purpose is to create and promote healthy inner city communities. Manitoba Blue Cross donated funds to help with the costs of upgrading the clinic's facilities to ensure that the clinic can continue to provide necessary services in an appropriate facility.
University of Manitoba Dental Outreach
The University of Manitoba's Centre for Community Oral Health strives to care for underserved communities by promoting oral health and providing essential services through fiscally responsible programs using the resources and expertise of the Faculty of Dentistry.
To help ensure it continues to operate, Manitoba Blue Cross gave funding toward this important community health program.