General Pharmacare Questions

What happens when I become 18 years of age?

You receive your own Manitoba Health registration certificate.  You should fill in a Pharmacare application and send it to Manitoba Health for processing.  Pharmacare will send you a letter confirming your deductible.

Does the computer system still keep track of my drug history?

Yes, this is an important function of the computer system also known as DPIN (Drug Programs Information Network).  The system checks each prescription against your drug history to help protect you from adverse drug interactions.

What do you mean by deductible?

Once your application has been approved, Pharmacare will send you a letter confirming your deductible.  The portion is the amount you pay.  Once you have reached your deductible, Pharmacare will pay for 100% of your eligible prescription drugs.  Your deductible will be tracked by the DPIN system automatically.  It is not necessary to send Pharmacare a cheque.

How does my pharmacist know when I meet my deductible?

The Pharmacare system still updates your prescription records on the DPIN.  It keeps track of the amount you pay for eligible prescription drugs.  Once your application is processed, your deductible is set and the computer will tell the pharmacist the amount you must pay.

What do you mean by an eligible prescription drug?

An eligible drug is one that is covered by Pharmacare.  If you are unsure whether your prescription is eligible you should ask your pharmacist or doctor, or contact Pharmacare.

What do I do with my receipts that I get from the pharmacy?  Do I send them to Pharmacare?

No, although you may wish to keep the receipts for your records.  Some individuals have private insurance or may claim medical expenses on their income tax.  If you are not sure, contact Pharmacare.  The only time you should send us your receipts is when the prescription information could not be sent by the computer:  for example, if you have prescriptions from outside Manitoba but within Canada.

Can my Pharmacare deductible be changed if my income has dropped this calendar year?

A provision is included in The Prescription Drugs Cost Assistance Act, which allows for an adjustment to be made to the Pharmacare deductible in the event that a family's income is reduced by greater than 10% in the 2009 calendar year. The reduction of income from 2007 to 2009 must exceed 10%.

Families with an income change, greater than 10%, should complete a 2009/2010 Pharmacare Benefit Year Projected Income Worksheet.  Families who qualify for an amendment to their 2009/10 Pharmacare must complete the Projected Income Worksheet and return it to our office along with required supporting documentation.  For more information on how to "project" your income, please call our office.

How will Pension Income Splitting affect the Pharmacare deductible for one-time enrolment (Option A) clients?

If you chose Option A when you applied, your Pharmacare deductible will not be affected by Pension Income Splitting. Pharmacare deductibles for the 2009/2010 benefit year are calculated using income from line 150 of the 2007 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment. When receiving income information from the CRA, consideration has been given to Pension Income Splitting and procedures are in place to allow for automatic line 210 deductions when applicable.

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In the event that you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Please Note:  when contacting us via e-mail, please DO NOT include your Personal Health Information Number (PHIN) for security reasons.

Provincial Drug Programs
Phone: (204) 786-7141
Toll free: 1-800-297-8099
Email: pharmacare@gov.mb.ca