The Manitoba Pharmacare Program provides drug benefits to eligible individuals in Manitoba who experience a significant financial burden due to high prescription drug costs. This program is available to all Manitobans, regardless of their age or specific medical condition. If you are a Ukrainian residing in Manitoba and wish to access the Pharmacare Program, here is everything you need to know about the program and how to apply.

About the Manitoba Pharmacare Program: The Pharmacare Program offers coverage for prescription drugs based on two factors: your total family income and the amount you pay for eligible medications. The program takes into account the combined income of you and your spouse, as well as the number of dependents, if applicable.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You are eligible for Manitoba Health coverage.
2. Your prescriptions are not covered by other provincial or federal programs.

Applying for Pharmacare: There are two application options available for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program:

Option A: One-Time Enrolment: Manitoba residents can choose the one-time enrolment option, which eliminates the need to submit an application every year. To enroll, complete and sign the Pharmacare Application and Consent Authorization FormPDF, including the consent and declaration sections. Send the form to Manitoba Health. The Canada Revenue Agency will electronically forward the most recent income information to Manitoba Health, determining your annual Pharmacare deductible for the benefit year. You can apply for Pharmacare anytime between April 1 and March 31, with the deadline for the 2023/2024 benefit year being March 31, 2024. If you wish to withdraw from the one-time enrolment, you must submit a written request to the Pharmacare office.

Option B: Annual Application: Manitoba residents choosing the annual application option must complete and sign the Pharmacare Application and Consent Authorization FormPDF, including the consent and declaration sections. Additionally, include copies of the 2021 Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment indicating your total income (line 150). If you and your spouse split pension income in 2021, submit copies of the 2021 Canada Revenue Agency Option C Summary Reports instead of the Notices of Assessment. You can request an Option C Summary Report from the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281. Applicants must reapply every year for coverage. The application period for the benefit year is April 1 to March 31, with the deadline for the 2023/2024 benefit year being March 31, 2024.

Commonly-Asked Questions for Option B:

1. What is a Notice of Assessment? A Notice of Assessment is a summary of your tax information sent to you by the Canada Revenue Agency after processing your tax return.
2. When would we need to submit an Option C Summary Report? You need to submit an Option C Summary Report if you and your spouse chose to split pension income in 2021. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 to request the report.
3. 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 to confirm your income and process your application. Rest assured that Pharmacare takes necessary steps to protect your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information.
4. What if my Notice of Assessment has been lost or destroyed? If your Notice of Assessment is lost or destroyed, you can contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 to request a certified printout. The certified printout should indicate the amount on line 150.

Note: If you file a joint income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency, you must inform them about the joint filing and provide identification for both spouses to obtain the certified printout.

For further information or assistance with the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, you can contact the Pharmacare office directly or visit their web site