Manitobans are now able to apply online for an updated plastic health card that will eventually replace the existing paper health card.
This update was announced by Health, Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Innovation and New Technology Minister, Mike Moroz on Jan. 15.
Although Premier Wab Kinew initially announced that applications for a new card would be available in December 2024, he said plans were delayed due to the Canada Post strike.
In a provincial news release, Asagwara stated, “our government has been working hard to move our health-care system into the modern era and we’re thankful to Manitobans’ patience as we take time to get this process right.”
The delivery of updated health cards might face delays due to the high demand for the initiative, according to Asagwara. However, Asagwara emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring every Manitoban receives their card as part of this modernization effort.
In September 2024, the government initiated a poll for the design of the new card. The winning design features an image of the northern lights, beating other potential designs that showcased a bison and a polar bear.
Asagwara claims that Manitobans applying for the updated plastic health card can expect them to be delivered within the next few months. Meanwhile, the current paper health card will remain valid and will continue to be accepted by health-care facilities. Manitoba and Alberta are the last provinces and territories within Canada that continue to use paper health cards.
There is also a plan to have a digital health card that can be accessed on smartphones in the future.
Youth and children who are listed on family health cards will now receive their own card to align with other jurisdictions across Canada, according to a provincial news release.
A provincial spokesperson said that the government chose to ask Manitobans to apply for the card, rather than simply mailing them to everybody, because many people have old addresses on their file, as reported by CBC.
The health card application also requires individuals to indicate their preferred official language. Those applying for their first health card will now automatically receive the updated plastic card, with mail and in-person pick-up options being available.
The total cost of the initiative remains unclear but is estimated that the production cost per card is below $1.67, which was the cost of Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccination card, claimed an official in the communications branch to CBC.
Manitobans can apply for the plastic health card online at gov.mb.ca/health.
