N.B. medicare cards to be automatically renewed as of August

FREDERICTON – Medicare cards in New Brunswick will be automatically renewed and mailed out as of August.

The cards will also be renewed for a five-year term instead of three years.

Health Minister Hugh Flemming says the changes will make the process of renewing health cards more efficient and he estimates it will save about $218,000 annually.

Currently, New Brunswickers receive a notice of expiry in the mail and are required to complete and return a form before they can have their health cards renewed.