What's New
Federal Budget Change: Cosmetic Procedures no longer considered Tax-Exempt Medical Expense
May 14, 2010
In the federal budget announced on March 4th, 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.
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
- sclerotherapy and other procedures for removal of varicose veins
- laser therapy for acne performed by a medical doctor or dermatologist
- 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 www.mb.bluecross.ca.
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".
Travelling to Cuba? You're covered in Blue
April 30, 2010
Manitoba travellers who are confused about the new requirements for medical insurance when visiting Cuba can rest assured that Manitoba Blue Cross has them covered.
Effective May 1, 2010, all visitors to Cuba will be required to have medical insurance to enter the country. Cuban authorities recently confirmed that they will accept either provincial government health insurance cards, or proof of private travel insurance, such as a Manitoba Blue Cross travel insurance policy, as sufficient to meet this requirement. Those without such proof will be required to buy insurance from Cuban companies at ports of entry.
While government health insurance is enough to allow you into the country, it may not be enough to cover all your expenses if you should need medical service away from home, which is why supplemental coverage from a private insurance provider such as Manitoba Blue Cross is strongly recommended.
Manitoba Blue Cross offers more than just protection for your pocketbook. Because making decisions about medical care when you are away from your doctor and other trusted sources of information can be stressful and overwhelming, Manitoba Blue Cross works with CanAssistance Inc., which provides 24-hour world wide 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.
Manitoba Blue Cross has a number of travel insurance products to meet the needs of our customers and allow them to enjoy their vacations without worrying about the costs of medical service in a foreign country. For everything from the cost of a few stitches to an air lift to a medical facility, you're covered. For information on our travel products, please click here.
For more information regarding the Cuban Medical Insurance Requirements, please visit the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada website.
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.
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.