Retirement benefits for 75 and over
Retired members of eligible Manitoba public sector employers are allowed to participate in the Public Service Employees Trust (PSET) plan. This includes spouses and eligible dependent children.
- Premiums are to be paid monthly by an automated deduction from a registered financial institution.
- Applications must be submitted to Manitoba Blue Cross within 60 days of your retirement date.
- Coverage will be effective the 1st of the month following your retirement date.
- You must enroll according to true family status.
- Once enrolled in this plan, you are only permitted to reduce benefits on January 1st if you have been enrolled in your current option for at least 12 months.
- You will not be permitted to increase your benefits.
Confirmation of employment with eligible Manitoba public sector employer is required.
Options details
Choose the coverage most suitable for your needs and protect yourself and your family against the rising cost of health care services.
Please note that benefits marked with an asterisk (*) in the coverages below require a prescription from a qualified practitioner to be eligible for reimbursement.
Option 1
Did you know that a single ambulance trip costs upwards of $500 and is not covered by Manitoba Health? With our Ambulance and Hospital plan, you'll have 100 per cent coverage for unlimited emergency ambulance trips in the province, including charges when an ambulance is called and treatment occurs on-site. No need to pay ambulance costs up front: we have a unique arrangement within Manitoba that allows ambulance service providers to bill us directly - just show your card to the driver. You'll also have coverage for stretcher service in addition to hospital and medical hostel accommodation.
Your coverage includes, but is not limited to the following:
100% reimbursement, reasonable and customary charges within Manitoba and up to $250 per trip outside Manitoba, unlimited emergency ambulance trips in the province
100% reimbursement, semi-private accommodation
Monthly subscription rates
Option 2
Our Extended Health plan was specifically designed to supplement Manitoba Health by providing you with coverage for paramedical practitioners such as physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, podiatrists and more. We also provide coverage for products like orthopedic shoes and services like private duty nursing and foot care nursing, and we're one of the only carriers in the province to provide reimbursement for cardiac rehabilitation.
Benefits also include BlueNet Point of Sale Prescription Drug Coverage, which we've integrated with the provincial drug program. We have an in-depth understanding of the Manitoba Pharmacare program, which ensures you receive prompt and accurate reimbursements of your claims. Simply present your Manitoba Blue Cross card to the pharmacist at point of purchase and your claim will be processed while you wait.
Your coverage includes, but is not limited to the following:
80% coverage up to a maximum of $1,500 per certificate per benefit year, $10 dispensing fee cap
Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors: 80% up to $4,000/person/benefit year
80% coverage up to a maximum of $300 per person per lifetime
80% coverage up to a combined maximum of $750 per person per year
80% coverage up to a maximum of $300 per person per year
80% coverage up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per year
80% coverage up to a maximum of $1,000 per person per 5 years based on date of service
Charges for medical, surgical and hospital services resulting from accident or illness while travelling out of the province up to a maximum of $2,500 per person per year
Virtual care provides the convenience of medical support at home or on the go. Access virtual/in-person physician care and treatment at gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross.
Monthly subscription rates
Option 3
As a trusted name in Manitoba, we've made it easy to get the dental care you need as dentists around the province are able to seek reimbursement directly with Manitoba Blue Cross. Your retiree dental plan includes services like routine exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum surgery and more. We even cover specialist fee guides. To make the claims process as convenient as possible, all dentists are provided the option of billing us directly.
This option incudes enhanced extended health services, including coverage for acupuncture, massage therapy, naturopathy and osteopathy.
This option also includes coverage for eyeglasses (frames and/or lenses) including replacements and repairs, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and eye exams.
Your coverage includes, but is not limited to the following:
80% coverage up to a combined maximum of $750 per person per year
100% coverage up to a maximum of $100 per person every 2 years based on date of service
100% coverage up to a maximum of $150 per person every 2 years based on date of service
2 per year
Once every 3 years
1 unit of polishing twice per year and up to 2 fluoride applications per year
Included
80% coverage up to a maximum of $750 per person per year
Monthly subscription rates
Option 4
Higher maximums for prescription drugs, vision and paramedical services. Enhanced dental coverage includes inlays, onlays, jackets, crowns, bridges, dentures and implants. Orthodontic coverage is also included for children under 18. Your coverage includes, but is not limited to the following:
80% coverage up to a maximum of $2,000 per certificate per year, $12.50 dispensing fee cap
Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors: 80% up to $4,000/person/benefit year
80% coverage up to a combined maximum of $1,000 per person per year
100% coverage up to a maximum of $100 per person every 2 years based on date of service
100% coverage up to a maximum of $250 per person every 2 years based on date of service
60% coverage up to a maximum of $750 per person per year
One tooth every 5 years
One implant per tooth per lifetime
One every 5 years
50% up to a maximum of $2,000 per child per lifetime
Monthly subscription rates
How to enroll
To take advantage of this retiree coverage, you must apply within 60 days of your official retirement date. If you are currently covered as a dependent under your spouse's plan, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage.
To enroll, simply complete the application form and send to Manitoba Blue Cross:
Mail:
Manitoba Blue Cross
Attn: Client Administration
PO Box 1046 Stn Main
Winnipeg MB R3C 2X7
Fax:
Attn: Client Administration
204.772.1231
Email:
Attn: Client Administration
MBCgroupbenefits@mb.bluecross.ca
- Your new coverage will become effective on the first day of the month following your date of retirement. If you did not have Manitoba Blue Cross coverage, but were covered under a spousal plan, you will be eligible for coverage the first of the month following the date of spousal termination of coverage.
- To ensure plan viability, once enrolled in this plan, you are only permitted to reduce benefits on January 1st if you have been enrolled in your current option for at least 12 months. You will not be permitted to upgrade or rejoin after you have opted out unless due to newly obtained client coverage (within 60 days). In order to rejoin you must have lost alternate coverage and provide documentation within 60 days of loss of coverage.
Reporting Changes
You must notify Manitoba Blue Cross in writing within 60 days of change in your own or your dependents’ status resulting from marriage, divorce, separation, termination of a conjugal relationship, death, change of residence, birth or legal adoption.
The majority of status changes may be reported using the “Notice of Change” form available from Manitoba Blue Cross.
To obtain a Notice of Change Form, please contact our office by any of the following methods:
- By phone at 204.775.0151 or toll free at 1.888.596.1032, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Submit a request through the Contact Us section
- Visit in-person Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 599 Empress Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- By mail:
- Manitoba Blue Cross
- Attn: Client Services
- PO Box 1046 Stn Main
- Winnipeg MB R3C 2X7
The completed Notice of Change form may be returned by one of the following methods:
- By email at: mbcgroupbenefits@mb.bluecross.ca
- By mail:
- Manitoba Blue Cross
- Attn: Client Services
- PO Box 1046 Stn Main
- Winnipeg MB R3C 2X7
- By fax:
- 204.772.1231
- Attention: Client Services
- In-person Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 599 Empress Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Still have questions? Contact us.
How to claim
For specific coverage details, please visit your mybluecross® account. There, you can look up coverage details, submit claims online, check your claim status and more. Claim forms are available for download at mb.bluecross.ca.
Coverage and rates are subject to change.
Ambulance/Hospital benefits
Present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID Card to the service provider and the provider may bill us directly. If you are required to pay upfront for ambulance or hospital services, you can submit an Ambulance/Hospital claim form with an itemized receipt for reimbursement or submit an online claim.
Extended health benefits
Present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID Card to the service provider at time of purchase and the provider may bill us directly. If you are required to pay upfront for your health products or services, you can submit a completed Health Benefits claim form with an itemized receipt along with the necessary supporting documentation (e.g. doctor’s prescription, referral, provincial plan statement) or submit an online claim.
You can also submit a claim for health benefit services through our mobile app.
Prescription drug benefits
Prescription drug claims are made through the pay direct BlueNet® system. Present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID card to your pharmacy when filling a prescription and the pharmacy will bill us directly for eligible expenses.
If you are required to pay upfront for your prescription, you can submit a completed Health Benefits claim form along with your official pharmacy receipts for reimbursement or submit an online claim.
You can also submit a prescription drug claim through our mobile app.
Vision care benefits
Present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID Card to the service provider at time of purchase and they may bill us directly. If you are required to pay upfront for your vision products or services, you can submit a completed Health Benefits claim form along with your official vision receipts for reimbursement or submit an online claim.
You can also submit a vision claim through our mobile app.
Dental benefits
Present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID Card to your provider and they may bill us directly. If you are required to pay upfront for dental services, you can submit a completed Dental claim form for reimbursement or submit an online claim.
If the cost of treatment exceeds $400 or consists of major dental services (crowns, bridges, orthodontics, etc.), we encourage the dentist to submit a pre-authorization to Manitoba Blue Cross prior to treatment.
Virtual Care
This service is available to you and all eligible members covered under your plan at no additional cost.
The Gotodoctor team can address a wide range of health and wellness concerns that you would typically make an in-person medical appointment for.
Plus, Gotodoctor provides a unique benefit that goes beyond most virtual care services. Gotodoctor’s network of virtual pharmacy clinics and in-person clinics provides an enhanced level of care.
With over 250 locations currently available in Manitoba and other provinces, access on-site diagnostic testing and comprehensive assessments beyond virtual care. Additional locations are being opened over the coming months so you can conveniently access its patient-centric primary care service across Canada.
Save at Rexall®
As part of your virtual/in-person physician care benefits, you are also eligible to save 20% off regular-priced Rexall exclusive brand products every day. Learn more about the Rexall Preferred Perks program at gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross.
Book today
Visit gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross to learn more and book now.
To request an appointment, click the “book now” button and fill out the form. Enter your Manitoba Blue Cross certificate number when asked.
How it works
3 easy steps
- Book your appointment. Skip waiting in a walk-in clinic and see the doctor from home, work or a virtual clinic location.
- Go to the doctor online. Connect to Canadian doctors through video chat or over the phone.
- Get your prescriptions. A convenient way to get the prescriptions, referrals and requisitions you might need. Pick up the prescription at your preferred pharmacy or have it delivered.
Coordination of benefits
To coordinate benefits with a spouse or common-law partner, first claim under Manitoba Blue Cross, then claim any amount not reimbursed to you under your spouse’s plan.
To claim under the second plan, submit your statement from the first carrier showing payment or denial of your spouse’s claim. The statement must include the service date, service provider name, type of service provided and patient name. If this information is not included on the statement, include their receipts.
Note: When making claims for eligible dependents, you will need to first claim under the plan of the parent with the earlier birth month in the calendar year.
Manitoba Pharmacare program
What Is Pharmacare?
Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for any Manitoban, regardless of disease or age, whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs.
Pharmacare coverage is based on both your total family income and the amount you pay for eligible prescription drugs. The total family income is adjusted to include a spouse and the number of dependents, if applicable.
Each year, you are required to pay a portion of the cost of your eligible prescription drugs. This amount will be your annual Pharmacare deductible. Pharmacare sets your deductible based on your annual family income.
*All employees are encouraged to apply for Pharmacare to ensure there is no interruption in drug coverage.
Do I Qualify?
You qualify for the Manitoba Pharmacare program if you meet both of the following criteria:
- You are eligible for Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living coverage.
- Your prescriptions are not paid through other provincial or federal programs.
How Do I Apply?
There are two ways to apply to the Manitoba Pharmacare Program:
Option 1: One-Time Enrollment
The one-time program enrollment eliminates the need to submit a completed application form every year. The annual deductible is established on April 1 of each benefit year.
Option 2: Annual Application
To be eligible for coverage, applicants must re-apply every year. The Pharmacare benefit year is April 1 to March 31. Manitoba residents may apply any time during the benefit year. Visit Manitoba Health, Senior and Active Living’s website at gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare to download the Pharmacare Application and Consent Authorization form.
Once you’ve received your Pharmacare confirmation letter, please fax it directly to Manitoba Blue Cross at 204.772.1231. Please indicate on your form the enrollment option chosen. Ensure that your client number and certificate number are clearly visible on the fax.
Why choose Manitoba Blue Cross?
Join your local health benefits provider.
- You are our priority. As a not-for-profit, we prioritize you, not the bottom line. Every dollar we make is reinvested back into our products and services, as well as our communities and people.
- Your mental health is important to us. Mental health is an intrinsic part of health and well-being, as much as dental and vision care. That’s why we support you with mental health coverage in several of our plans, including professional counselling.
- You get comprehensive, specialized coverage. With a Manitoba Blue Cross plan, you get the coverage you need, including specialized offerings, such as foot care nurse, athletic therapy coverage, hostel care and treat-no-transport ambulance coverage. We also offer paramedical benefits such as homeopathy, osteopathy and nutritional counselling.
- You’re part of the renowned Blue Cross network: We offer products from the most recognized and trusted name in health coverage in Canada.
- We are a local business. With a walk-in customer service centre conveniently located in Winnipeg, excellent relationships with your health care practitioners and a focus on our community, being a Manitoba business is about more than just our postal code.
- You can access services your way. From our award-winning call centre and walk-in customer service centre to 24/7 access to claim and benefit information online and through our mobile app, you can find information, assistance and resources quickly and easily.
- Your convenience is key. With direct billing, your health care costs can often be paid directly to the service providers, so you are not out of pocket while you wait for reimbursement.