September 2002

Manitoba Government Reverses Policy on
Chiropractic Care for Children and Young Adults

Washington, D.C. – The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) reports that the provincial government of Manitoba, Canada, has reversed an earlier decision that denied payment for chiropractic services to anyone under the age of 19.

The reversal of the controversial Canadian policy signals an important victory for chiropractic.

The across-the-board cuts in chiropractic reimbursements, however, still stand, and new efforts are under way to seek a responsible solution to government concerns over health spending, including spending for chiropractic care.

Retroactive to July 1, Manitoba Health will specifically provide coverage for Manitobans under 19 and will provide a benefit of $8 per visit to a maximum of 12 visits during the current fiscal year.

Effective April 1, the rate will increase to $9 per chiropractic visit. The former rate was $11.56 per visit.

Doctors of chiropractic in Canada remain concerned over the reductions of reimbursement levels.

“The battle for full inclusion and full compensation in Manitoba is far from over and the need to be proactive and determined will continue,” said Dr. Daniel Schaeffer.

Thousands of chiropractors and patients in Manitoba chiropractic patients mounted a campaign to restore the chiropractic cuts since the announcement of the new policy several months ago.

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