CHILDREN’S OPTI-CARE
What is Children’s Opti-care?
Children’s Opti-care will help families receiving the Manitoba Child Benefit to pay for the cost of prescription eyeglasses for their children.
What is the Manitoba Child Benefit?
The Manitoba Child Benefit was introduced in January 2008 and provides up to $420 per child per year to help low-income working families with the cost of raising children. The following table shows Manitoba Child Benefit levels and allowable income ranges:
Number of Children under 18 years of age / Maximum Yearly Benefits / Maximum Benefits Paid at or Below these Annual Family Incomes / Partial Benefits Paid with Annual Family Incomes1 / $420 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $20,435
2 / $840 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $20,435
3 / $1,260 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $20,435
4 / $1,680 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $22,242
5 / $2,100 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $24,052
6 / $2,520 / $15,000 / $15,001 to $25,864
In March 2011, 8,600 children received the Manitoba Child Benefit.
Who will be eligible for Children’s Opti-care?
Families who receive the Manitoba Child Benefit will be eligible for Children’s Opti-care, provided they do not have optical coverage through another provider.
What benefits will be provided under Children’s Opti-care?
The maximum payment per child would be $84 or 80 per cent of the current employment and income assistance optical fee schedule rate for eyeglasses ($105). Benefits may be higher for children with special vision needs. For example, a child may require a high index lens, which the program would pay for on top of the regular rate.
How will families access optical benefits under Children’s Opti-care?
Families will pay for their children’s prescription glasses upfront and then submit a receipt to Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be up to 80 per cent of current employment and income assistance optical guidelines.
...2
- 2 -
When will Children’s Opti-care start and how much will it cost?
Children’s Opti-care will be implemented in January 2012. Full year costs for the new program are estimated at $112,000.
How can families apply for the Manitoba Child Benefit and Children’s Opti-care?
Families who are eligible to receive the Manitoba Child Benefit and who do not have optical coverage from another program will automatically be eligible for Children’s Opti-care when it comes into effect in January 2012. For more information or to apply for the Manitoba Child Benefit, families can call 1-800-563-8793 (toll-free) or visit: www.gov.mb.ca/fs/assistance/mcb.html.