Applications for plastic Manitoba health cards now open
Posted January 15, 2025 1:11 pm.
Last Updated January 15, 2025 1:16 pm.
People with paper Manitoba health cards that are just barely hanging on are in luck, as the province has announced that applications for the new plastic IDs are officially open.
“Our government has been working hard to move our health-card system into the modern era and we’re thankful to Manitobans’ patience as we take time to get this process right,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Uzoma Asagwara in a news release.
“Over the next few months, we expect the popularity of this initiative to mean it may take some time for every Manitoban to receive an updated card but we’re focused on finally getting this done.”
Applications for the new health cards can be found on the Government of Manitoba’s website, the province saying it may be a few months before they are delivered. However, paper health cards will still be accepted and a digital health card will soon be available.
Manitoba’s Minister of Innovation and New Technology Mike Moroz joined the health minister in the announcement saying the old paper health cards will not be missed.
“I’m sure Manitobans are just as excited as we are to say goodbye to a fading paper card and replace it with a more durable option,” said Moroz in the news release. “This is just one step our government is taking to both modernize government services and make sure Manitobans can easily access services they need.”
Other changes include the introduction of individual health cards for all Manitobans, including children and youth who were previously listed on a family card, with Minister Asagwara saying the change aligns with other jurisdictions across Canada while replacing outdated record-keeping practices.
Manitobans will also be able to select their language preference on the card, choosing English or French, making Manitoba only the second jurisdiction in Canada to offer the option.