New Brunswick Medicare

New Brunswick Medicare covers standard accommodations and meals for hospital stays, as well as medically necessary services. Residents may have the option to upgrade to private or semi-private rooms for an extra fee.

The New Brunswick Drug Plan offers prescription drug coverage for residents with a valid Medicare card who enroll in the plan. Enrollees are responsible for paying a premium and a 30% copayment, up to a maximum per prescription. The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) offers additional support to seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and those with specialized medical needs, such as cystic fibrosis or organ transplants. The province’s Biosimilars Initiative ensures that only biosimilar versions of eligible drugs are covered under these programs.

The Health Services Vision Program provides assistance for those who qualify for assisted health care and do not have vision coverage from another plan. The program requires a 30% co-payment for dispensing and diagnostic services, including frames. Routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are not covered under the general plan.

Routine dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and dentures, are not covered under the New Brunswick health plan. However, some surgical dental procedures are covered when medically necessary and performed in a hospital, though extractions and routine dental work are excluded, even if performed in a hospital. The Health Services Dental Program may provide limited coverage for individuals without private dental insurance.

New Brunswick does not provide coverage for paramedical services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, or private nursing. Residents seeking these services will need to rely on private insurance or pay out of pocket.

The Health Services Hearing Aid Program offers partial coverage for hearing aids and repairs for qualifying residents. It operates under a “payer of last resort” policy, meaning it only provides coverage after all other insurance or warranties have been used; hearing aid repairs are covered once the manufacturer’s warranty expires. The Seniors’ Rehabilitative Equipment Program lends medical equipment to seniors aged 65 and older, free of charge, through the Canadian Red Cross Society, including a wide range of rehabilitative devices and equipment.

Ambulance coverage in New Brunswick is limited to hospital-to-hospital transfers within the province. Residents who require ambulance services for other situations will need to pay out of pocket. Additional coverage may be available through private insurance.

The Extra-Mural Program (EMP) in New Brunswick provides comprehensive home care services for residents with a valid Medicare card. The program delivers care in your home as long as your healthcare needs can be safely met there. Services include nursing, physiotherapy, and home support.

New Brunswick Medicare provides coverage for emergency hospital visits and physician services at New Brunswick rates, with a daily maximum for hospital stays. Coverage is also available for services that have received prior approval from the province. Residents are responsible for any costs that exceed the provincial limits.

New Brunswick Medicare does not cover accidental death and dismemberment. Residents are encouraged to seek private insurance plans if they require this type of protection.