Government launches re-registration of MCP

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne today announced that government is launching a re-registration of the province�s the Medical Care Plan (MCP) to strengthen the monitoring of medical care claims. As part of the re-registration process residents of the province will be asked to complete a re-registration form on or before March 31, 2007 to receive a new MCP card. The new card which will now have an expiry date will allow government to effectively monitor MCP claims.

"Through this re-registration of our Medical Care Plan we are enhancing the security for beneficiaries and tightening the controls over the administration of the program," said Minister Osborne. "Ultimately this will ensure that only eligible beneficiaries permanently residing in the province are able to avail of coverage under MCP. The end result will be greater accountability and fiscal responsibility to the people of this province."

The Department of Health and Community Services will be issuing new, modernized cards containing an individual�s name, gender, MCP number and birth date to provide additional security to ensure that only the person to whom the card is issued will be able to use it. In addition, the cards will have an expiry date to allow the department to periodically update the MCP database and provide an improved mechanism for accountability.

Re-registration forms and information brochures will be mailed to all households in the province beginning on Monday, May 15. Print and radio advertisements will be featured as a reminder for residents to re-register. After March 31, 2007, old versions of the MCP card will become invalid.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing the best possible health care coverage to all permanent residents of the province," said Minister Osborne. "As we continue to build a strong and sustainable health care system, government will continue to seek out opportunities to implement efficient policies that are transparent and accountable."

The re-registration initiative comes in response to the Auditor General�s 2003 recommendations to strengthen controls over the registration process, improve security of MCP cards and provide an accountable mechanism for monitoring of the MCP database. The Auditor General reported an estimated 80,000 more beneficiary numbers issued than there were residents in the province.

Anyone who does not receive a re-registration form can obtain one by calling their local MCP office, visiting www.gov.nl.ca/mcp or by e-mail at mcpreregistration@gov.nl.ca . Further questions should be directed to MCP by calling 1-866-449-4459 on the Avalon Peninsula or 1-800-563-1557 in all other areas.

View sample MCP card (PDF)

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

Why do I need to re-register with MCP?
To ensure that you continue to receive medical care benefits after the re-registration deadline of April 1, 2007.

Why is government doing this now?
The last full registration of the population was done in 1969 and our records no longer adequately reflect our current population statistics.

How long do I have to re-register?
You should re-register as soon as possible. All eligible residents must be re-registered by April 1, 2007.

What happens if I don�t re-register?
After April 1, 2007 health care providers will not accept the current MCP card.

Why will the new card have an expiry date?
Similar to a driver�s licence, an expiry date on the MCP card will help to ensure that only eligible residents are covered.

I don�t know my MCP number, what should I do?
If you have a hospital registration card your MCP number will be printed on that card. If not, and you are unable to locate your MCP number, simply complete the form and we will contact you for further information.

I have a family member currently residing in a long term care facility. Do I need to include them on the re-registration form?
No. Nursing homes and other residential institutions will be providing us with information on anyone in their care.

I have a child attending school outside Newfoundland and Labrador. Do I need to include them on the re-registration form?
Yes, as long as your child is only temporarily living outside the province and has not registered with another province�s health care plan.

Will my MCP card still cover the cost of medical care services as it did before?
Yes. There will be no change in coverage as a result of re-registration.

I am a foreign student and do not currently have MCP coverage. Do I need to re-register?
Individuals not currently eligible for coverage do not need to complete the re-registration form.

I am a member of the RCMP/Canadian Armed Forces/NATO Forces. Do I need to re-register?
While members of the RCMP/CAF/NATO are not eligible for coverage, their family members are and should participate in the re-registration process.

I am currently living outside the province but I still have my MCP card. Do I need to re-register?
In order to verify your current status you should contact our office prior to completing the re-registration form.

Will I have to pay to renew my MCP card?
No. There is no fee for renewal of MCP cards.

What should I do if I move?
You should notify us whenever you move in order to ensure that the information contained in our database is up-to-date. If you plan to move outside the province you should notify us so that we can provide you with the necessary information to ensure that you continue to have medical care coverage.

Where can I get further information?
Information is available by contacting the MCP office or by visiting our web site at www.gov.nl.ca/mcp.

2006 05 11                           10:30 a.m.