Applying for Pharmacare

There are two ways to apply to the Manitoba Pharmacare Program:
Option A - One-Time Enrolment or
Option B - Annual Application. 

Option A: One-Time Enrolment

When Manitoba residents fill out and sign both the consent and declaration sections of the Pharmacare Application and Consent Authorization Form and send it to Manitoba Health, the Canada Revenue Agency electronically forwards to Manitoba Health the most recent income information. For example the 2010 income level will determine the annual Pharmacare deductible for the 2012/2013 benefit year.  The annual deductible is established on April 1 of each benefit year.  The one time program enrolment eliminates the need to submit a completed application form every year.  

Please note that Manitoba residents may apply to Pharmacare anytime during the benefit year (between April 1 and March 31).  For example, March 31, 2013 is the last day to submit applications for the 2012/2013 benefit year. Manitobans that choose to withdraw from the one time enrolment must do so in writing to the Pharmacare office.

Option B: Annual Application

Manitoba residents must fill out and sign both the consent and declaration sections of the Pharmacare Application and Consent Authorization Form and send it to Manitoba Health. Copies of the 2010 Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment indicating the total income (shown on line 150) must be included. Please note:  Applicants who chose to split pension income with his/her spouse in 2010, are required to submit copies of the Canada Revenue Agency 2010 Option C Summary Reports instead of 2010 Notice of Assessments.  An Option C Summary Report can be requested from the Canada Revenue Agency by contacting them at 1-800-959-8281.

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.  March 31, 2013 is the last day to submit applications for the 2012/2013 benefit year.

Commonly-Asked Questions for Option B

What is a Notice of Assessment?

The Notice of Assessment is a summary of your tax information sent to you by the Canada Revenue Agency after your tax return is processed. 

When would we need to submit an Option C Summary Report?

Option C Summary Reports are required if you and your spouse chose to split pension income in 2010. You may request an Option C Summary Report from the Canada Revenue Agency by contacting them at 1-800-959-8281.

My tax information is confidential.  Why do you need a copy of my Notice of Assessment?

Pharmacare is an income-based program and requires this information in order to confirm your income and process your application.  Pharmacare takes the necessary steps to protect your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information.

My spouse and I file our taxes together on one joint return.  Do we have to send you anything different?

Pharmacare requires confirmation of your spouse's income.  One acceptable document is a copy of the Canada Revenue Agency Schedule 2 "Amounts Transferred From Spouse," from your working copy of your tax return.

What if my Notice of Assessment has been lost or destroyed?

You may contact Canada Revenue Agency for a certified printout at toll free 1-800-959-8281.

The certified printout should indicate the amount on line 150.

If you file a joint income tax return with Canada Revenue Agency:

1. you must indicate this to the Canada Revenue Agency when requesting a certified printout for you and your spouse, and;
2. the Canada Revenue Agency will require identification for both spouses before they will release the information.