What is the Vision Benefit for Four Year Olds?
The Vision Benefit for Four Year Olds is an expansion of the current Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision (HSCV) program. The benefit is available for parents or guardians with or without vision insurance.
Is this benefit replacing another program?
No. The Province created this new benefit to ensure all four-year-old children receive an eye exam and, if required, corrective glasses prior to starting school.
What is covered under this benefit?
The following benefits will be provided:
- One major eye exam
- If required, one set of corrective glasses. The maximum coverage for the eye exam and corrective glasses will be the same as that provided under the existing Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program.
What are the eligibility criteria for this benefit?
To be eligible for the benefit your child must be:
- Four years old
- A resident of New Brunswick
- Ineligible for (and thus not enrolled in) the existing Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program
When does the benefit begin for my four-year-old child?
The benefit starts the day your child turns four years old and terminates at midnight on the day before they turn five. Eye exams and the ordering of glasses must take place while your child is four years old.
Will there be any exceptions to coverage provided by this benefit?
No. There are no additional vision care benefits such as additional eye exams or replacing lost or broken glasses.
I just moved to New Brunswick and my child is five years old, can he/she receive the benefit?
No. Only four-year-old children may receive the benefit.
My child missed their vision appointment. Will the benefit cover any missed appointment fees?
No. The benefit will not cover any fees associated with missed appointments.
Where can I get a Four Year Old Vision Benefit Application?
The Application form is available for download.
Application forms are also available at your vision care provider’s office.
Completed application forms and copies of any other required information are to be mailed or faxed to:
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision
Vision Benefit for Four Year Olds
644 Main Street, P.O. Box 220 Moncton, NB, E1C 8L3
Fax: 506-867-4651
Parents may also call the following numbers if they have any questions regarding the Vision Benefit for Four Year Olds.
Telephone number: 506-867-6026
Toll free number: 1-855-839-9229
Parents or guardians should apply and receive their child’s benefit identification number from Medavie Blue Cross before attending their scheduled vision appointment.
Parents or guardians should submit their child’s application form at least 10 business days before their scheduled vision appointment so that Medavie Blue Cross has time to receive, process and issue their child’s benefit identification number.
Bring your child’s benefit confirmation letter to your vision appointment. The identification number included within the letter is required for submitting potential claims to Medavie Blue Cross.
