What's New

Travelling to Fargo or Grand Forks this long weekend?

May 15, 2012

If you are making a road trip to Fargo or Grand Forks this long weekend, the links below provide frequently updated information about wait times at border crossings.

Travelling to the US:

• http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

Returning to Canada:

• http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

Happy travels and ensure that you and your family are covered if an unexpected emergency occurs while you are on your trip. If you need to purchase travel health coverage for the long weekend, click here to view a list of our products.

City of Winnipeg ambulance rate increase

May 4, 2012

Please be aware that the City of Winnipeg has increased their ambulance rates. These new rates are available on the City of Winnipeg website.

We would like to ensure you that if you have Manitoba Blue Cross ambulance coverage either through an employer-sponsored group plan or one of our individual plans, you will still be covered if ambulance services are needed.

Our plan members can also rest assured that Manitoba Blue Cross will continue to pay the City of Winnipeg directly for ambulance services to save you from paying for costs upfront.

If you are currently not covered by one of our plans and would like more information about our individual health coverage, please click here.

Travel Checklist. Things to consider before your next vacation.

April 20, 2012

Planning a trip? Have you created a travel checklist of things you need to do before you leave? Here are some essential 'must dos' to add to your list:

1. Understand entry requirements and safety issues. Visit the Canadian government's travel website at www.travel.gc.ca. Here you will be able to find information on passport and document requirements for the country you are visiting. The site will advise you of any travel warnings, the personal safety issues you should take into account and immunizations required for entry.
2. Know your coverage. Ensure that you have purchased the correct coverage for the full duration of your trip. Go over the provisions and make sure you understand your coverage and what is and isn't covered. Be certain you understand what to do in the case of an unexpected emergency.
3. Don't forget to bring your travel policy. Having your policy on hand will guarantee that you have the proper information available if you require medical services. Also some countries, like Cuba and certain countries in Europe, require proof of health insurance before you enter that country. Your travel health policy will meet this requirement.
4. Keep all emergency numbers handy in case you need help. Your Manitoba Blue Cross policy or group ID card includes the number for CanAssistance Inc. which will provide Manitoba Blue Cross plan members with 24-hour worldwide assistance if a medical emergency occurs in a foreign country.

If you would like more information on Manitoba Blue Cross' travel health products, click here.

It is important to have fun and enjoy your vacation, but ensuring that you have followed this checklist prior to departure can save you from possible headaches down the road.

Today's CLHIA Announcement provides advantages for Manitoba Blue Cross' fully insured clients

April 3, 2012

Today, the Canadian life and health insurance industry unveiled an agreement to collectively protect fully insured private drug plans from the full financial impact of high cost drugs. This will allow Manitoba Blue Cross, and the insurance industry, to better serve Canadians and protect their ability to maintain competitive and affordable prescription drug coverage.

In all, 22 insurance companies across Canada, which collectively represent 100 per cent of the group drug insurance market, have joined this initiative and are committed to support higher standards for fully insured prescription drug coverage.

With new medical advancements and discoveries, there has been a significant increase in the number of high cost prescription drug therapies available and being prescribed to patients. This trend is predicted to continue.

The net impact of this agreement is that employers will be effectively sheltered from significant annual rate increases due to rare but expensive drug claims. This will help sustain the private drug plan market in Canada and protect individual Canadians from potentially losing their prescription drug coverage due to high cost claims. This had become an increasing a risk for small and medium sized employers.

How will this affect Manitoba Blue Cross group plans?

Groups not affected by the agreement:

• In Manitoba, this pooling initiative will not affect groups with Manitoba Pharmacare formulary drug plans, groups with plans that have annual drug maximums of less than $50,000, groups with refund accounting insured plans or groups with ASO plans. These types of plans are not at significant risk since there is limited potential for a catastrophic liability to occur under these circumstances.

Groups affected by the agreement:

• In Manitoba, this initiative will impact groups that are fully insured, groups that have a non-refund plan with an open drug formulary or groups with employees residing outside of Manitoba. For these groups, this agreement will help protect both plan members and plan sponsors from the impact of recurring high cost drug claims.

How can I learn more?

• View the CLHIA new release here.
• Questions and Answers - Protecting Canadians' Drug Coverage

Planning a road trip this March Break? Make sure your family is covered.

March 14, 2012

In Manitoba, March Break is an exciting time for kids to take a week off from school and celebrate the end of winter. It is also a great opportunity to get away with the family whether you have a trip planned to a sunny destination like Mexico or Florida, or are taking a road trip south of the border.

With March break on the horizon, we'd like to make sure that your entire family is covered for any travel excursions you have planned. Having adequate travel insurance will save you from paying high costs for any medical emergencies that could occur. Travel health insurance will cover things like hospital charges, ambulance services or air transport services to get you home by stretcher if you are badly injured.

Yes, it's always important to purchase travel insurance if you have a trip planned for a sunny destination, but don't forget to consider travel insurance for shopping adventures to the United States. If an accident should happen to you or a family member during a getaway to Grand Forks or Minneapolis, you could be paying thousands of dollars in medical costs. Keep in mind that Manitoba Health will only pay a small fraction of these costs, and things like ambulance services will not be covered.

If you aren't covered by group travel coverage through an employer, individual travel coverage can be purchased from Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent. We have a number of travel products to meet your family's needs so that you can enjoy March break without any concern. If an emergency occurs while you are out of the country, Manitoba Blue Cross will ensure you get the support you need. We work with CanAssistance Inc. to provide you with 24-hour worldwide assistance if you find yourself in an emergency medical situation.

While on vacation it is important to have fun and enjoy time with your family, but taking these precautions could save you stress as well as money. Enjoy March Break!

For information on our travel products, please click here.

Protect yourself from contracting a serious illness on your winter holiday

February 10, 2012

Do you have a trip planned to a sunny destination? Have you considered the vaccinations you'll need?

As the frigid temperatures set in, there is no better way to escape the winter blues than a sunny holiday. But no matter where or when you travel, talking to your health care provider prior to departure is always important. Make sure to discuss your holiday destination, travel plans and vaccination history. Having this discussion about your immunization record and which illnesses are more prevalent in the country you will be visiting, and then receiving the proper inoculations will help you avoid contracting a serious infection or sickness while on vacation. Also, double-check with your doctor that the booster shots you received as a child will still give you the proper resistance. As you age, immunity obtained from some vaccinations may decrease.

If you are travelling to sunny destinations like Mexico, Cuba or the Dominican Republic, Public Health Agency Canada recommends that you consider the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Rabies and Typhoid. Vaccine recommendations for other countries are available on their website at www.travelhealth.gc.ca.

Public Health Agency Canada advises that you see your health care provider at least six weeks prior to your scheduled departure. If your departure date is closer, talk to your doctor now.

Manitoba Blue Cross wants to make sure you travel with peace of mind. Yes, it's important to protect yourself as best you can from contracting a serious illness while travelling, but it is just as essential to protect yourself with travel health coverage in case an accident or illness should occur while on vacation. For information on our travel health products, please click here.

(Source: Public Health Agency Canada)

Online Claims Submission - Making a Claim Has Never Been Easier

March 26, 2012

Online Claims Submission in Customer E-Service is now available for vision claims, in addition to prescription drug claims.

New to Customer E-Service, our Online Claims Submission allows you to send your drug and vision claims to Manitoba Blue Cross electronically from the convenience of your own home. Your claims will be processed faster and your claim payments will automatically be deposited into your bank account through Direct Deposit.

Access Online Claims Submission today by logging into or registering for Customer E-Service. You will need to make sure you are signed up for Direct Deposit.

Delivering added value through Blue Advantage

January 30, 2012

Save money on a variety of health related products and services with the Blue Advantage program.

Blue Advantage lists many providers across Manitoba that offer discounts on everything from hearing aids, contact lenses and eyeglasses to laser surgery, medical devices, mobility equipment and fitness programs.

This program provides our plan members with savings at the point of sale on the total cost of products and services from participating providers, regardless of whether the item is covered under your benefit plan or not. To find savings, just visit the Blue Advantage web site. Then to receive discounts, plan members simply present their Manitoba Blue Cross ID card to the participating provider and mention the Blue Advantage program.

Receipts for Income Tax Purposes

December 30, 2011

Customers who require a receipt from Manitoba Blue Cross for income tax purposes can download them from Customer E-Service.

If you choose to request that a printed receipt be mailed to you a $15.00 administration fee will apply. To avoid this fee, we encourage you to download receipts on Customer E-Service. If you are currently not signed up for Customer E-Service, just click the link and follow the steps to register today.

Booking an all-inclusive this year? Make sure everything's covered.

November 24, 2011

As the weather gets colder many people will be booking their winter holidays. All-inclusive packages have become a desirable choice for a winter getaway whether you are going to an all-inclusive resort in Cuba, Mexico or the Caribbean, saying bon voyage on a cruise ship, or boarding a tour bus for a sightseeing excursion.

Manitoba Blue Cross' Tour Package Plan is uniquely designed to cover you for all aspects of your trip and is the perfect option for any all-inclusive package you have booked. You will be covered for travel arrangements including transportation, accommodation, car rental and excursions like passes to Disney World or tickets to a Broadway show. You will even be covered for loss or damage to baggage or personal effects.

In addition to the special protection a Manitoba Blue Cross' Tour Package Plan will provide, travel coverage will save you from paying expensive medical bills directly and will ensure that all medical bills are covered including things like ambulance services or emergency dental work. To give you the support you need if an emergency occurs, Manitoba Blue Cross works with CanAssistance, which provides 24-hour worldwide assistance to travellers in emergency medical situations.

For information on our other travel products, please click here.

Headed to Europe? Make sure you're covered.

September 7, 2011

Europe has always been a sought after destination for travellers to experience food, culture and festivities while taking in the historical sites and landscapes that each country has to offer.

If you're planning a trip to Europe anytime soon, you will have to take into account that the need for supplemental health insurance is becoming necessary in a number of European countries in order to meet the medical coverage prerequisite. Many governments are requiring proof of health insurance before entry into that country is permitted. These countries include Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. In addition, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Estonia require that travellers have a minimum medical coverage of 30,000 euros (approximately $42,500 CDN). This minimum medical coverage will not be met by Manitoba Health.

Manitoba Blue Cross wants to ensure that all our customers have peace of mind when they are travelling to Europe.

• If you have Manitoba Blue Cross group travel coverage, please call us with your active contract number to verify coverage. Those with group travel can request a letter that confirms coverage. Please advise us of the dates you will be travelling and confirm if your spouse and/or any dependents will be accompanying you on your trip.
• For those who are not covered by a group plan, individual travel coverage can be purchased from Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent. We have a number of travel products to meet your needs so you are able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about medical costs in a foreign country.

There are many more advantages to having travel coverage. No matter where you are travelling in Europe, additional coverage will save you from paying doctors, hospitals and clinics directly. To give you the support you need if an emergency occurs, Manitoba Blue Cross works with CanAssistance, which provides 24-hour worldwide assistance to travellers in emergency medical situations.

We also have plans that will cover trip cancellation, cancellation of prepaid expenses (such as hotel or site seeing tickets) and even baggage delays in addition to travel health coverage. For information on our travel products, please click here.

Travelling to Cuba this winter? We've got you covered.

August 23, 2011

Cuba has become a popular vacation spot over the last number of years with its blue ocean, sandy beaches and value for your pocketbook as compared to other travel destinations.

If you are planning a trip to Cuba, you should be aware of Cuba's entry requirements implemented last year. Since May 2010 all visitors entering Cuba require proof of medical insurance to enter the country. Cuban authorities will accept either provincial government health insurance cards, or proof of private travel insurance, such as a Manitoba Blue Cross travel policy, as sufficient to meet this requirement. Those without such proof will be required to buy insurance from Cuban companies at ports of entry.

We at Manitoba Blue Cross want to ensure that all of our customers are able to travel with peace of mind in light of these new regulations.

• If you have Manitoba Blue Cross group travel coverage, please call us with your active contract number to verify coverage. Those with group travel can request a letter that confirms coverage. Please advise us of the dates you will be travelling to Cuba and confirm if your spouse and/or any dependents will be accompanying you on your trip.
• For those who are not covered by a group plan, individual travel coverage can be purchased from Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent. We have a number of travel products to meet your needs so you are able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about medical costs in a foreign country. For information on our travel products, please click here.

Why purchase travel coverage? Yes, a provincial government health insurance card will gain you access into the country, but not having any additional coverage would require you to pay doctors, clinics or hospitals directly should a medical emergency arise. Only a small fraction of these medical costs will be reimbursed by Manitoba Health once you return home and many costs, such as an ambulance, are not covered. Cuba will not let anyone with unpaid medical bills leave the country.

To give you the support you need if an emergency occurs, Manitoba Blue Cross works with CanAssistance which provides 24-hour worldwide assistance to travellers in emergency medical situations. CanAssistance is an entity recognized by the Cuban authorities with a well-established relationship with Asistur SA, the official medical assistance society of Cuba.

Direct billing reinstated for ambulance services

July 20, 2011

The City of Winnipeg has advised Manitoba Blue Cross that, effective immediately, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will bill Manitoba Blue Cross directly for ambulance services provided to our plan members.

Manitoba Blue Cross is very pleased to once again provide this valuable service to our plan members.

This is very good news for you. All you have to do is present your Manitoba Blue Cross identification card and we will pay the cost of your ambulance service directly to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Community News

Supporting Local Medical Research

Manitoba Blue Cross is the primary contributor, both in funds and administrative support, for the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF). The MMSF provides funding to local researchers for the advancement of scientific, educational and other activities that improve the health and welfare of Manitobans.

For more information about the MMSF, including grant application information, visit the MMSF website.