New Brunswick Medicare: What's Covered?

New Brunswick Medicare is a publicly funded health care plan that covers most basic healthcare services for permanent residents of the province. It is available to Canadian citizens or those legally entitled to remain in Canada, who primarily reside in New Brunswick. The plan covers medically required services, including critical illness or emergencies, with most health services provided by a physician in a hospital or physician's office being covered. Certain dental procedures are also covered if they are deemed medically necessary and performed in a hospital, although dental work and extractions are not covered. Medicare will also cover drugs administered in a hospital, required nursing services, standard hospital room and meals, diagnostic services, and therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. However, it is important to note that prescription drugs and medicines are generally not covered unless under a specialty drug plan.

Ambulance services

Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB) is the organisation responsible for providing land and air ambulance services to New Brunswick residents and their guests. ANB has been operating as the provincial ambulance service provider since 2007 and is licensed by the New Brunswick Department of Health.

ANB's team consists of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including primary care paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, and critical care flight nurses. Together, they respond to approximately 100,000 calls for help each year.

ANB's priority is to provide the best possible care to patients on the scene and ensure their safe and timely transport to the hospital. They are committed to delivering innovative healthcare, safety, and communications solutions through knowledgeable and caring professionals.

New Brunswick Medicare is the provincial plan for all New Brunswick residents. It provides coverage for most basic healthcare services, including emergency services. People covered by New Brunswick Medicare can access emergency services by dialling 911 and do not have to pay for these services.

In summary, Ambulance New Brunswick plays a crucial role in providing timely and professional emergency medical services to the residents and guests of New Brunswick, and New Brunswick Medicare helps ensure that these services are accessible and covered for the province's residents.

Dental procedures

New Brunswick Medicare covers certain specified surgical dental procedures when the service is medically required and performed in an approved hospital. However, it is important to note that extractions and dental work are not insured services, even when performed in a hospital. Anesthesia for dental procedures may be covered in specific circumstances.

Medically necessary dental procedures may be covered if performed by a dentist in an approved hospital or clinic. However, routine dental services and dentures are generally not covered.

For international students, it is recommended to get basic personal insurance that covers dental insurance or pre-existing medical conditions that are not covered by Medicare.

The Health Services Dental Program is designed to help clients in the Social Development department who are 19 years of age or older with coverage for specific dental benefits and individuals with special needs. These benefits are often not covered by private health insurance plans and other agencies, and are negotiated with the New Brunswick Denturists Society and the New Brunswick Dental Society.

The program does not cover orthodontic services and appliances, oral surgeries not specified in the contract with the NB Dental Society, or root canals on posterior teeth. Those eligible for the Health Services Dental Program are entitled to a maximum of $1000 a year (excluding prosthetic and emergency services). For dentures and denture repairs, clients are usually charged up to a 10% participation fee, which may be required before dental health services are provided and is paid directly to the dental professional.

Vision care

New Brunswick Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, prescription glasses, or contact lenses. However, the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program covers basic items such as yearly exams, lenses, and frames (up to a maximum of $220 every 2 years) for children aged 18 and younger from low-income families.

For those without a primary healthcare provider, Patient Connect NB is a provincially-managed, bilingual patient registry. Anyone eligible for a New Brunswick Medicare card can register with this service.

Prescription drugs

Medicare in New Brunswick does not cover prescription drugs. However, there are a few options for residents who require assistance with the cost of their medications. Firstly, the New Brunswick Drug Plan is a prescription drug plan that provides coverage for uninsured New Brunswick residents who have a valid Medicare card. This plan is designed for those who do not have prescription drug coverage through a private health insurance plan. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in Medicare and pay a premium based on your family's annual income, ranging from $16.67 to $166.67 per month. The drugs covered by this plan are listed in the New Brunswick Drug Plans Formulary.

The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) is another option for residents who need help with medication costs. This program supports those who may not have insurance available elsewhere and those requiring assistance with specialty medications. Seniors aged 65 and older who receive the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are also eligible for this program. The NBPDP covers drugs listed on the New Brunswick drug formulary, including treatments for cystic fibrosis, HIV-positive residents, growth hormone products, organ transplant recipients, multiple sclerosis, and residents covered under Family and Community Social Services.

In addition to these provincial programs, many employers in New Brunswick offer additional health coverage, including prescription drug coverage, to their employees as part of their benefits package. Therefore, it is worth checking with your employer to see if you have access to this type of coverage.

Travel insurance

New Brunswick Medicare only covers limited emergency hospital services for those travelling outside Canada. This includes:

• $50 CAD for out-patient emergency services.
• $100 CAD a day for in-patient services resulting from an emergency admission.
• Emergency physician services at New Brunswick rates.
• Services for which you have received prior approval.

The costs of most out-of-country services are considerably higher than rates paid by New Brunswick Medicare, and the difference is your responsibility. Therefore, it is strongly advised that travellers obtain additional insurance from private insurers to cover the portion of charges not paid by New Brunswick Medicare.

If you are travelling within Canada, you can use your valid NB Medicare Health Card to cover the cost of health services. There is an agreement with all Canadian provinces (except Quebec) that allows physicians to bill the NB Medicare for treatment of sickness or injury to New Brunswick residents. However, physicians in other provinces may bill New Brunswickers for medical services that are excluded from the agreements, and reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions