Some patients without Manitoba health cards can receive care in hospitals

(File Photo)

A new change now allows Manitobans without health cards to receive care from doctors in hospitals.

Doctors Manitoba says physicians are now able to use Good Faith Billing, where they can bill regional health authorities for services they provide to patients who do not have a valid Manitoba health card.

Patients eligible for Good Faith Billing include newborns that don’t have a health card yet, new residents of Canada, those experiencing temporary homelessness and people released from incarceration.

“This is a small and simple step that will give physicians more time to focus on their patients instead of chasing down paperwork,” Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said in a statement. “Plus, patients who, for whatever reason, are not able to present their health card will have a smoother experience knowing the RHA will sort out the details with their family doctor later.”

The billing does not cover tourists in Canada from other countries, patients from Quebec, transients and most out-of-province students.

Doctors Manitoba says to be eligible for Good Faith Billing, services need to be provided in hospital settings.