Moncton 
New Brunswick residents and newcomers can now complete their applications for medicare cards online, the provincial government announced today.
The move to online applications is part of New Brunswick’s Health Plan to improve access to primary care for residents. The online application process is expected to make it easier and more convenient for eligible residents to apply for N.B. Medicare coverage.
The province’s Health Minister, Bruce Fitch, announcing the move, stated that “improving access to primary care is a pillar of New Brunswick’s Health Plan.” He went on to say, “we have discovered new ways of working over the last few years, harnessing technology like never before,” highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in improving healthcare services.
To be eligible for New Brunswick Medicare coverage, applicants must be Canadian citizens or legally entitled to remain in Canada and make their permanent and principal home in New Brunswick. International students who meet the eligibility criteria are also eligible for coverage. However, regular members of the Canadian Armed Forces, tourists and visitors to the province, transients, students from another province, and inmates of federal prisons are not eligible for coverage.
Owning property or maintaining a dwelling in New Brunswick or paying New Brunswick property or income tax does not automatically make one eligible for insured services under New Brunswick medicare.
The eligibility criteria must be met, and the application process must be completed for coverage to be granted.
According to the provincial government, completing the online application takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and applicants are advised not to submit duplicate applications. Once an application and accompanying documentation have been received by medicare, it takes four to six weeks for processing. If there is no correspondence after eight weeks, applicants are advised to contact Service New Brunswick Teleservices at 1-888-762-8600.
