Does Manitoba Health cover medical alert devices?

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living (MHSAL) administers the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan, which covers physician services, hospital care, and certain diagnostic services. Personal emergency response systems (PERS) - commonly known as medical alert devices - are not an insured benefit under this plan.

Manitoba Home Care: This is the most relevant provincial program for seniors seeking medical alert assistance. Manitoba's Home Care program is one of the most comprehensive in Canada, providing coordinated support services to seniors and people with disabilities living in the community. Home Care coordinators assess individual needs and build care plans that can, in some cases, include safety monitoring equipment for clients at high risk of falls or medical emergencies.

To explore this, ask your family physician to refer you for a Home Care assessment. Alternatively, you can self-refer by contacting your regional Home Care office directly. If you are already receiving Home Care services, raise the topic of medical alert monitoring with your coordinator at your next review.

Manitoba Aids for Daily Living (MADL): This program funds specific assistive equipment for Manitobans with physical disabilities. Medical alert monitoring subscriptions are not a standard MADL category, but speak with your Home Care coordinator or occupational therapist about whether any aspect of your situation might qualify under available equipment categories.

Personal Care Home Exemptions: Seniors residing in personal care homes typically have access to building-level emergency response systems as part of their care. This does not apply to community-living seniors, for whom personal devices are needed.

Federal Medical Expense Tax Credit: Manitoba residents may be able to claim medical alert device costs on their federal income tax return. Confirm eligibility with a tax professional.

Your regional Home Care office is the best first contact for navigating available support in Manitoba.