Employment and Income Assistance Facts

Health Benefits

The Health Benefits part of the Employment and Income Assistance program is for people in need who do not have health benefits from another program, or whose existing benefits do not cover benefits available to them through EIA.

Prescription Drug Benefits

You may be entitled to help to pay for prescription drugs. Tell the pharmacy you are receiving EIA. The pharmacist will check to see that you are receiving EIA and are not covered by another program, as well as checking to see if the item you need is approved under the program. You do not pay the pharmacy for approved drugs.

(For more information, see Prescription Drugs Assistance for Participants.)

Dental Benefits

You may be entitled to help to pay for basic dental care. Tell your dentist or denturist that you are receiving EIA, who can check with EIA to see if the dental care will be paid for by EIA.

For basic dental care, there is a waiting period of three months for children. For single parents and persons with disabilities, the waiting period is also three months. For all other adults, there is a six-month waiting period. There is no waiting period in emergency situations to stop pain.

If the treatment is approved, your dentist or denturist will send the bill to EIA.

(For more information, see Dental Assistance for Participants.)

Eyeglasses

You may be entitled to financial help when you need eyeglasses and an eye examination. Tell your eye care provider that you are receiving EIA, who can check with EIA to see if EIA will pay for the service.

There is a waiting period of three months for children. For single parents and persons with disabilities, the waiting period is also three months. For all other adults, there is a six-month waiting period. There is no waiting period in emergency situations.

Eye exams may be paid for every two years, and new glasses may be paid for every three years. New lenses, without new frames, may be paid for when your eyesight has changed significantly.

If your eye care provider is providing services at EIA's approved fees, the bill is usually sent to EIA for payment.

(For more information, see Eyeglasses Assistance for Participants.)

Health Services Cards

Most EIA participants who are single parents, or persons with disabilities, will receive a Health Services card. If you show the card to the dental or eye care provider, he or she may be able to provide the service without calling EIA. If your case closes because you are no longer entitled to assistance, you must return the card to EIA within two weeks.

Chiropractic Services

EIA may pay towards the cost of chiropractic services above the maximum annual amount payable by the Manitoba Health Services Commission (MHSC). A Chiropractic Review Panel will review your request for treatment. Your chiropractor must forward your request directly to this panel.

Medical Assessments

If EIA asks you for a medical assessment or report, EIA will pay for it.

Hearing Aids

The cost of hearing aids and related services may be paid by EIA. You can go to any hearing-aid dealer and tell them you are receiving assistance from EIA. If the services are approved by EIA, the dealer will make arrangements to fill your order.

Wheelchairs and Wheelchair Repairs

Wheelchairs are available to all Manitobans through the Manitoba Wheelchair Services Program. If you need a wheelchair, your doctor or occupational therapist should arrange this through:

Manitoba Wheelchair Services
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
1111 Winnipeg Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3E 0S2
Telephone: (204) 975–3250
Toll Free: 1–800–836–5551

If the equipment you need is not available through this program, your doctor or occupational therapist should contact your worker.

Other Medical Supplies and Equipment

If you are receiving assistance from Home Care, the Regional Health Authority will provide you with medical supplies and equipment. If you are not receiving Home Care, or if there are additional medical supplies and equipment you need that are not provided by Home Care, please contact your worker.

Health Benefits (When You are Able to Meet Your Basic Living Costs)

If you can pay for your basic living costs, but cannot afford to pay for your health care costs, you may apply for financial help just to cover health care costs.

For more information or to apply:

In Winnipeg, call our Central Intake number at 948–4000.

If you live elsewhere in Manitoba, call your district EIA office.

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