Adults in Manitoba will soon be able to benefit from life-changing hearing surgery at a fraction of the cost.
Manitoba is expanding its cochlear implant program to include adults. Those under the plan only have to pay 20 per cent of the retail cost of the implants.
“Our government is strengthening health care by ensuring equitable access to programs and services for all Manitobans, regardless of income,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon.
Get weekly health news
“We are investing in patients by following research that shows the sooner a cochlear implant candidate receives the device, the better the outcome and building an expanded coverage of this program to adults to ensure more Manitobans have access to this life-changing technology.”
- Tourists racked up $200M in unpaid health-care bills in B.C.: report
- N.B. doctors call for 3rd-party study on health impacts of Tantramar gas plant project
- Canadian who tested positive for hantavirus on cruise ship has recovered
- Vaping causes lung and heart damage faster than cigarettes, U of A research suggests
Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnson says expanding the program also has social benefits.
“An important aspect of healthy aging is social connectedness and age-related hearing loss can have an isolating effect for seniors,” said Johnston.
“Expanding the cochlear implant program will help to ensure older adults who may be facing financial barriers have equitable access to this important device, which will enable them to continue to participate fully in life with their families and communities.”
The program is expected to help about 40 people annually at a cost of $352,000 a year.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.