Requests for a health card from those who are not eligible for assistance must be assessed under Section 4(4). Health cards issued under this Section may be for any period up to 12 months. Health cards issued under this section will be approved for a period of 12 months, unless circumstances require a shorter duration. Although the entire Household must be assessed for eligibility, the card should be issued to provide coverage only to the specific individual(s) requiring the card.
Prescription Drug Plan Coverage may be approved up to a maximum of 60 months.
Applicants who have the Long Term Needs, Designated Needs or Blind, Deaf or Disabled certification and who are not living with a legal or common-law spouse or child would be considered as a separate unit when applying for Health Card Only benefits.
All clients who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are insulin dependent will have coverage for their insulin and their diabetic supplies. Insulin pump and supplies for adults are not covered. There may be coverage for children under the age 19 through the department of Health’s New Brunswick Pediatric Insulin Pump Program (PIPP).
All clients who have been diagnosed with diabetes who are not insulin dependent but are treated by diet alone or taking oral medications may have coverage for a limited number of testing strips, and supplies such as lancets, alcohol and swabs. A medical form completed by a physician, nurse practitioner and /or certified diabetic educator will determined the quantity of test strips that are needed.
- Seniors 65 years of age and over who qualify for coverage under the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program would be eligible for their insulin under this program.
- Seniors 65 years of age and over may purchase extended health benefits from the Medavie Blue Cross Seniors' Health Program. Diabetic supplies is one of the benefits covered under this program. Should a senior not apply for this coverage within 60 days following either their 65th birthday, the cancellation of other coverage or eligibility for NB Medicare as a new resident they will face a one-year waiting period for certain benefits which includes diabetic supplies.
- Applicants, including seniors who have coverage under other medical plans may be put at a financial disadvantage, depending on their participation fees and/or benefit restrictions under their plan. Depending on the amount of such disadvantage, consideration may be given to assisting these applicant with the additional costs incurred, or in issuing an SD health card.
- Families requesting dental or optical services for children 0-18 years of age should first be referred to the Health Smiles, Clear Vision plan administered by Medavie Blue Cross. If they have been found ineligible for this plan they may then be assessed under Section 4(4) for dental or optical coverage
