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FAQ

The following frequently asked questions are posted to help you better understand the Plan.

Opt Out

Can I opt out?

If you're already covered by an equivalent health and/or dental plan (such as a parent's or spouse’s employee benefit plan), you can opt out partially or completely during theChange-of-Coverage Period. Only new Winter Term students can opt out during the Winter Change-of-Coverage Period.

How do I opt out?

All opt outs are done online through our website here. You’ll need your student ID number and your date of birth. Opting out online ensures quick processing and allows you to receive an instant confirmation of your opt out.

How do I know if my opt out is complete?

After you have successfully opted out of the Plan, you'll receive an automated confirmation email once your opt out is complete. If you don’t receive an opt out confirmation email by the end of the Change-of-Coverage Period, please contact the Care Centre.

When do I get my refund?

After your opt out is completed and shortly after the end of the Change-of-Coverage Period, the UMSU Health & Dental Plan fee will be credited to your student account.

How do I get my refund?

The UMSU Plan fee will be credited to your student account.

Self Enrolment

How can I enrol myself in the Plan?

All self-enrolments are done online during the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period through our website by clicking here. You’ll need your student ID number and your date of birth. Self-enrolling online ensures quick processing and allows you to receive an instant confirmation of your self-enrolment request.

What kind of proof of eligibility document do you need?

If the university didn’t bill you automatically but you’re eligible for the Plan, you must provide proof of eligibility (“Tuition Breakdown”) during the online self-enrolment process.

When will I receive payment instructions for my online self-enrolment?

Once your self-enrolment and proof of eligibility document have been reviewed, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions and a deadline during or shortly after the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period.

How long is my self-enrolment valid for?

All self-enrolments for Fall Term students are valid from Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025. New eligible Winter Term students may enrol themselves in the Plan for coverage between Jan. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2025.

Couple & Family Enrolments

Can I enrol my family in the Plan?

Yes, your Plan gives you the option to enrol your family (spouse and/or dependent children) during the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period by completing an enrolment process and by paying an additional fee, over and above your individual fee as a Plan member, through our website by clicking here. Common law couples are eligible.

Can I enrol all of my family members?

Your Plan gives you the option to enrol your dependent children and/or your spouse. You can only cover one spouse at a time.

Can I opt out and enrol my family members?

No, you must remain covered by the Plan in order to enrol your eligible family members. Dependants’ coverage must be equal to or lesser than the Plan member’s coverage.

Will their coverage automatically be renewed next year?

Coverage is only for the current policy year. If you want to cover your dependants in subsequent policy years, you must renew your couple/family coverage during the Change-of-Coverage Period at the beginning of each school year.

Claiming

What are the different ways I can claim?

You can submit your receipts and paper claims directly to Manitoba Blue Cross by mail. For more information, click here.    

What’s an Explanation of Benefits?

An explanation of benefits (EOB) statement tells you what portion of a claim was paid to the health-care provider and what portion you must pay. Once your claim has been processed, you’ll receive an EOB from your insurer either electronically or by mail.

What is my Certificate Number?

Your Certificate Number is your 7-digit student ID number preceded by “88”. For instance, if your student ID number is 1234567, your Certificate Number would be 881234567.  

How do I register for direct deposit?

To register for Direct Deposit, please visit www.mb.bluecross.ca, select “Register for mybluecross®” under the "Members" tab and follow the steps. Please have your banking information, Client Number and student ID number ready. For more information, click here.

How do I track and view my claims history?

Once you've had a claim processed by Manitoba Blue Cross, please visit www.mb.bluecross.ca, select “Register for mybluecross®” under the "Members" tab and follow the steps. Please have your Client Number and student ID number ready. For more information, click here.

Is there a claiming deadline?

Yes, all health and dental claims must be received by Manitoba Blue Cross no later than 90 days after the end of the policy year in which the claims were incurred or 90 days after the end of your coverage, whichever is sooner. Full-year coverage for this policy year ends Aug. 31, 2025. For more information and last year’s deadlines, click here.

What's my client number?

Your client/group number for health and dental benefits is 7654 (insured by Manitoba Blue Cross). Your group number for travel benefits is 97180 (insured by Securian Canada). 

Prescription Drugs

Which drugs are covered under my Plan?

The UMSU Health Plan covers medications listed in the Manitoba Pharmacare Formulary. For more information including prescription drug maximums, please click here.

How do I know if my drug is eligible for coverage?

To find out if a specific drug is covered, contact the Care Centre with both the name of the drug and its Drug Identification Number (DIN).

What is Manitoba Pharmacare?

Manitoba Pharmacare is a provincial income-based program, designed to provide fair access to coverage for prescription drugs. All Plan members covered by Manitoba Health must register for Manitoba Pharmacare. For more information on how this affects you and your student plan, please click here.

How do I use my Pay-Direct Card?

By presenting the Pay-Direct Card with your valid student ID card, you can fill your prescriptions at most pharmacies in Manitoba. The pharmacist will be able to process the claim immediately, so you won’t have to pay the full amount up front and wait to be reimbursed.

Studentcare Networks

What are the Studentcare Networks?

The Studentcare Networks are composed of different types of health and dental practitioners conveniently located in your area and other regions of Canada. Their commitment to helping students provides you with the option of paying less for their services. Studentcare Networks savings work in addition to your insured benefits so that you can save even more money.

Do I have to see a Studentcare Networks professional?

You're not limited to Studentcare Networks members. You’re covered for the insured portion regardless of the practitioner you choose. By consulting a member of the Studentcare Networks, you’ll get additional coverage.

Out-of-Province Students

Can I access the Plan benefits if I move to Manitoba but keep my home provincial health care?

Yes, you can access your Plan benefits if you have access to any Canadian provincial health-care coverage.

I’m not eligible for Manitoba Pharmacare because I’m an out-of-province student. How do I claim for prescription drugs?

Out-of-province students will continue to have their prescription drug claims paid through the UMSU Plan and don't have to register for Manitoba Pharmacare. Please contact our Care Centre to verify and ensure your drug claims won't be interrupted.

Can I use the Plan benefits anywhere in Canada?

Yes, you can use your Plan benefits anywhere in Canada. For more information on how to claim, click here.

Combining Plans & Coordinating Benefits

Can I coordinate benefits with another plan?

Yes, if you’re covered by another extended plan in addition to your student Plan (e.g. through a parent's or spouse's employer, or your own employer), you may coordinate the benefits in order to increase your overall coverage, up to 100%.

How do I coordinate benefits with my employee plan?

If you’re covered by your employer in addition to a student Plan, your employee plan is your primary plan. All claims must first be submitted to your employee plan, and then the remaining balance can be sent to your student Plan. For step-by-step instructions, click here.

How do I coordinate benefits with my parent’s or spouse’s plan?

If you’re covered by your spouse’s or parent’s plan in addition to a student Plan, your student Plan is your primary plan. All claims must first be submitted to your student Plan, and then the remaining balance can be sent to your spouse’s or parent’s plan. For step-by-step instructions, click here.

You still have some unanswered questions?
Don't hesitate to contact the Care Center

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