---
# Cross-published from The Medfair Journal. Keep canonicalURL pointing
# at the original so search engines credit the right page.
title: "Manitoba Assistive Device Funding Guide: Prosthetics, Orthotics, Hearing Aids and Mobility Equipment"
description: "How Manitoba funds prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids and wheelchairs: what Manitoba Health pays, the seniors hearing aid grant, EIA, and who pays first."
pubDate: 2026-10-12T15:45:32.181Z
subtitle: "What Manitoba Health covers for artificial limbs, braces, hearing aids and wheelchairs, where the gaps are, and which programs can help with the rest."
author: "Aalim Rattansi"
category: "Health Policy"
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canonicalURL: "https://medfair.ca/journal/how-manitoba-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding"
originalSource: "The Medfair Journal"
---

*This article was first published on [The Medfair Journal](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-manitoba-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding).*

An artificial limb, a custom brace, a pair of hearing aids or a wheelchair can decide whether someone gets back to work, stays in school or lives safely at home. In Manitoba, the question of who pays for that device rarely has a single answer.

Manitoba Health pays for most prescribed limb prostheses and braces. A separate program lends wheelchairs rather than buying them. Hearing aid help depends on age and income. Employment and Income Assistance, workers' compensation, Autopac injury coverage and federal programs fill some of the gaps.

This guide explains how each program works, what it leaves out and how to line them up before a device is ordered.

> **Current as of October 7, 2026.** Funding rules and amounts can change. Confirm eligibility and obtain approval before ordering a device.

## Key takeaways

- **Prosthetics and orthotics are an insured benefit.** Manitoba Health's Prosthetic and Orthotic Program covers prescribed limb prostheses and limb and spinal orthoses, with no deductible, up to benefit amounts set in regulation.
- **The provider matters.** The device must come from a prosthetist or orthotist certified by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO).
- **Hearing aid coverage depends on age.** Children under 18 have an insured benefit. Seniors 65 and older with household net income below $80,000 may qualify for up to $2,000. Most adults aged 18 to 64 have no provincial program.
- **Wheelchairs are loaned.** The Manitoba Wheelchair Program provides long-term loans of manual and power wheelchairs to eligible residents living in the community.
- **Another payer may come first.** Manitoba Health's programs cover costs not paid through another provincial or federal program, so check WCB, Manitoba Public Insurance and federal benefits early.

## Is there an assistive devices program in Manitoba?

Not in the way [Ontario has one](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-ontario-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding). Manitoba Health lists its device coverage as separate [ancillary programs](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html), each with its own rules, run by its Ancillary Programs office in Winnipeg. Wheelchairs, home care equipment and seniors' hearing aids sit in other programs run by other organizations.

| Device | Main provincial route | Who it serves |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial limbs, braces | Prosthetic and Orthotic Program | Residents with a prescription |
| Orthopaedic shoes | Orthopaedic Shoes Program | Children under 18 |
| Hearing aids | Children's Hearing Aid Program; Seniors Hearing Aid Program | Under 18; 65 and over, income-tested |
| Wheelchairs | Manitoba Wheelchair Program (loan) | Residents living in the community |

## How does the Manitoba Prosthetic and Orthotic Program work?

The program covers Manitoba residents who need prosthetic or orthotic services prescribed by a medical practitioner and whose costs are not paid through another provincial or federal program. The [Prosthetic, Orthotic and other Medical Devices Insurance Regulation](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/053-93.php) also allows a registered nurse (extended practice) to prescribe.

In most cases, [Manitoba Health](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html) reimburses limb prosthetic devices and services, and limb and spinal orthotic devices and services. The key conditions are:

- **Certified provider.** The prosthetist or orthotist must be CBCPO-certified.
- **Function, not appearance.** The device must be needed primarily for basic activities of daily living, not primarily for cosmetic purposes.
- **Replacement limit.** One device every two years, unless there is a medically diagnosed change in prescription or the device is damaged beyond repair.
- **No deductible.** The supplier submits the claim to Manitoba Health.

Manitoba's [Better Health guide](https://www.gov.mb.ca/betterhealth/health_services/medical_equipement.html) describes the program as covering the full cost in most cases, up to a maximum amount. Those maximums are the benefit amounts listed code by code in the regulation. If a clinic's price is higher than the listed benefit, ask how the difference will be handled before fabrication starts.

> **Ask for an itemized quote.** It should show each benefit code, the Manitoba Health amount and any patient portion. Unlisted "By Report" orthotic items need prior written approval from the minister.

### Prosthetic limbs

The regulation's prosthetic schedule covers more than the limb itself. It lists benefit amounts for repairs, replacement parts and supplies such as prosthetic socks, sheaths and shrinker socks.

Children get extra flexibility. With the minister's approval, Manitoba Health can fund devices beyond the standard schedule for a child with a permanent physical disability, where the device supports daily living or social development, which may include a reasonable amount of recreational activity.

For children and youth up to age 21, the [Rehabilitation Centre for Children](https://rccinc.ca/programs-and-services/prosthetics-and-orthotics/) in Winnipeg provides prosthetic and orthotic assessment, fabrication, fitting and follow-up. Families can self-refer, but a doctor's prescription is required for any device.

The War Amps can help with what is left over:

- The [Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/child-amputees/) serves children under 18. It pays the portion of standard limbs, adjustments and repairs not covered by provincial or private plans, and covers 100% of recreational limbs and devices.
- The [Adult Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/adult-amputees/) offers financial help toward artificial limbs for enrolled amputees 18 and older, after provincial and private or workplace coverage has been used.

### Braces and other orthoses

The orthotic schedule covers cervical collars, spinal braces, fracture braces, and upper- and lower-limb orthoses, from wrist-hand orthoses to ankle-foot and hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses. The regulation adds limits that are easy to miss:

- A second orthosis of the same type for the same body area within two years needs prior written approval.
- Modifications are generally payable only after 90 days, or sooner for a significant change in condition or growth, and cannot total more than 25% of the device's benefit amount.
- Repairs are generally payable only after 90 days and not for damage caused by abuse. Any single repair is capped at 25% of the device's benefit amount.

## Are foot orthotics and orthopaedic shoes covered by Manitoba Health?

It depends on the item, the patient's age and who makes it.

**Custom foot orthoses.** The regulation's orthotic schedule includes removable foot inserts moulded to a model of the patient's foot, arch supports and shoe modifications. A prescribed foot orthosis from a CBCPO-certified orthotist can therefore fall under the Prosthetic and Orthotic Program. Manitoba Health's Ancillary Programs decides each request, so confirm coverage for an adult's foot orthoses with them before fitting. Orthotics from providers who are not CBCPO-certified orthotists do not meet the regulation's requirement.

**Orthopaedic shoes for children.** The [Orthopaedic Shoes Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html) covers prescribed shoes for children under 18, with no deductible. Manitoba Health rebates 50% of the cost up to:

- $27.80 a pair for stock shoes.
- $41.80 a pair for children with different-sized feet.
- $139.00 a pair for custom-made shoes.

It also allows $5.55 per pair for modifications, for two pairs a year. Families send the claim form and itemized receipt to Ancillary Programs.

**Adults receiving EIA.** Employment and Income Assistance can help with orthopaedic footwear, orthotic inserts, arch supports and custom items. Under the [EIA footwear policy](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/pubs/22.4.3_10-46orthopaedic_footwear.pdf), the prescription must include a diagnosis, and the provider gets approval from the Provincial Services Orthotic Program.

## Does Manitoba cover hearing aids?

Partly. Most adults do not have hearing aid coverage through Manitoba Health. What exists is tied to age, income or another payer.

### Children under 18

The [Children's Hearing Aid Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html) covers residents under 18 who need a hearing aid prescribed by an otolaryngologist or audiologist. Manitoba Health reimburses 80% of approved amounts above a $75 deductible:

- Analog hearing aids: up to $500 per ear.
- Digital or programmable hearing aids: up to $1,800 per aid.
- Dispensing fees, ear impressions and ear moulds, at set amounts.

One device per ear is covered every four years unless there is a medically diagnosed change. Repairs, batteries, replacement or additional ear moulds and lost hearing aids are not covered.

### Seniors 65 and older

The [Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/hearing_aid_program.html) provides up to $2,000 toward hearing aids, the hearing assessment and fitting. Applicants must:

- Live in Manitoba and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 65 or older.
- Have household net income below $80,000 in the previous year.
- Need hearing aids as prescribed by a certified hearing aid dealer licensed in Manitoba.

Applicants send the application form, a Canada Revenue Agency Proof of Income statement and a hearing assessment. Once approved, they take the approval letter to the dealer, who applies the funding at the point of sale. The purchase must happen within six months of approval.

One claim is allowed every five years. Batteries, repairs, ear mould replacements and loss or damage replacements in between are not eligible, and private insurance is deducted from the $2,000 maximum.

> **Do not buy first.** The program says not to purchase hearing aids until the application is approved. Call to confirm it is accepting applications before booking a fitting.

### Adults 18 to 64

There is no general provincial hearing aid program for this age group. Possible routes include EIA, WCB Manitoba, Manitoba Public Insurance, Veterans Affairs Canada, Non-Insured Health Benefits and the Interim Federal Health Program, covered below.

For people who are profoundly deaf or speech impaired, the [Telecommunications Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html) pays 80% of the cost of a keyboard telecommunication device after a $75 deductible, to a maximum rebate of $428, once every five years.

## How does wheelchair funding work in Manitoba?

The [Manitoba Wheelchair Program](https://www.manitobapossible.ca/wheelchair-services) (MWP) is run by Manitoba Possible, formerly the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. It provides long-term loans of recycled or new manual and power wheelchairs, plus repairs and maintenance. Its [operating manual](https://www.manitobapossible.ca/s/policy-manual-Jan-2026.pdf) says it is funded through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority on behalf of Manitoba Health.

To be eligible, a person generally must:

- Be a full-time Manitoba resident with a valid Personal Health Identification Number.
- Have a physical disability affecting mobility and need a wheelchair for at least six months, or be palliative.
- Have a wheelchair prescribed by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. A physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse may prescribe some categories when no therapist is available.

People being paneled for a personal care home are not eligible, nor are people who can get a chair from a third party such as WCB, Manitoba Public Insurance, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Victim Services or Child and Family Services.

Clients pay for pneumatic tire and tube repairs, spoke-wheel maintenance and "option to purchase" upgrades. Upgrades must be paid in full before the chair is ordered.

### Other mobility equipment

- **Home care.** Manitoba's [regional health authorities](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/homecare/index.html) run home care and assess eligibility. The EIA manual says home care provides equipment from a provincial base list to people with an open home care file, but not items such as walkers, raised toilet seats and bath bars.
- **Personal care homes.** According to the EIA manual, residents are generally responsible for their own wheelchair unless the MWP loaned them one at least six months before admission.
- **Children.** [Children's disABILITY Services](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cds/pubs/cds_fam_supports_brochure.pdf) may fund certain supplies, equipment and home or van modifications at a basic level for eligible children under 18 living with their families.

## Can Employment and Income Assistance cover the gap?

For EIA participants, the [EIA administrative manual](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/22.html) covers several items Manitoba Health does not:

- **Hearing aids at any age**, up to $500 per analog or $1,800 per digital or programmable aid, plus a $250 dispensing fee ($150 for a second aid). An [EIA circular](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/pubs/22.4.1_16-10medicalert_bracelets_hearing_aids.pdf) says Provincial Services approves and pays for hearing aids and replacement batteries.
- **Footwear and foot orthotics**, approved through the Provincial Services Orthotic Program.
- **Wheelchairs** through the MWP, short-term manual wheelchair rentals for temporary conditions (generally no longer than six months in total) and one seating system when a therapist documents the need.
- **Equipment home care does not cover**, such as walkers, on a medical professional's recommendation.

EIA does not fund scooters. People who are not on EIA but cannot meet an immediate health need, including medical equipment, may ask about a one-time **single grant**, which is assessed against their surplus resources over six months.

## Who pays first? Other funding programs in Manitoba

Check these payers before relying on provincial programs.

**People injured at work.** [WCB Manitoba's medical aid policy](https://www.wcb.mb.ca/policies/medical-aid/) allows funding for prosthetics, braces, hearing aids, wheelchairs and other devices needed because of a compensable injury, when a recognized provider prescribes them and the cost is reasonable. WCB may also pay for repairs or replacement due to wear and tear, accidental damage or changes in fit.

**People injured in a vehicle collision.** Manitoba Public Insurance's [Personal Injury Protection Plan](https://www.mpi.mb.ca/personal-injury-protection-plan/) covers Manitoba residents regardless of fault. The [PIPP Guide](https://www.mpi.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PIPPGuide.pdf) lists medically required devices such as hearing aids, back supports, special footwear, crutches and artificial limbs, including repair and replacement.

**First Nations and Inuit.** The [Non-Insured Health Benefits program](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585320116553/1585320137871) has benefit lists for audiology, limb and body orthotics, footwear, prosthetics and mobility equipment, with prior approval requirements.

**Veterans.** [Veterans Affairs Canada](https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/programs-choice) programs of choice include hearing services, prosthetics and orthotics, aids for daily living such as wheelchairs, and special equipment.

**Refugees and protected persons.** The [Interim Federal Health Program](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html) covers 70% of eligible supplemental benefits, including prosthetics, mobility aids and hearing aids. The patient pays 30%, and the provider must be registered with IFHP.

**Northern residents.** The [Northern Patient Transportation Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html) subsidizes physician-approved medical travel for eligible northern residents who need care not available at home. People covered by another funder, such as WCB or MPI, are not eligible.

## How to apply for assistive device funding in Manitoba

1. **Identify the primary payer.** Rule out WCB, MPI, NIHB, Veterans Affairs and IFHP first.
2. **Get the right prescription.** Prostheses and orthoses need a physician or nurse practitioner. Children's hearing aids need an audiologist or otolaryngologist. Wheelchairs usually need an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
3. **Use a qualifying provider.** For Manitoba Health coverage, confirm the prosthetist or orthotist is CBCPO-certified.
4. **Get an itemized quote.** Separate each payer's share, non-funded items and the patient balance.
5. **Get approval before buying.** The seniors hearing aid grant, EIA and many charities require it.
6. **Keep records.** Save prescriptions, quotes, approvals and denials.

**Run your clinic on Medfair.** [Sign up](https://medfair.ca/register) · [Schedule a Demo](https://medfair.ca/contact)

## Frequently asked questions about Manitoba assistive device funding

### Are orthotics covered by Manitoba Health?

Custom limb and spinal braces are covered under the Prosthetic and Orthotic Program when prescribed and provided by a CBCPO-certified orthotist. The regulation also lists moulded foot inserts, but confirm coverage with Ancillary Programs before ordering. Children under 18 can get partial rebates on orthopaedic shoes.

### Does Manitoba have a hearing aid program for seniors?

Yes. The Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program provides up to $2,000 for residents 65 and older with household net income below $80,000. You must be approved before buying, and one claim is allowed every five years.

### Does Manitoba cover hearing aids for adults under 65?

Not through a general provincial program. Coverage may come from EIA, WCB Manitoba, Manitoba Public Insurance, Veterans Affairs Canada, NIHB or IFHP.

### Does Manitoba Health pay for wheelchairs?

Indirectly. Eligible residents receive a long-term loan through the Manitoba Wheelchair Program, which is funded through the WRHA on behalf of Manitoba Health. Clients may still pay for tire repairs and optional upgrades.

### How often can I replace a prosthesis or brace?

Manitoba Health covers one device every two years unless there is a medically diagnosed change in prescription or the device is damaged beyond repair.

### Where can I find local funding help?

Hospital social workers and rehabilitation teams often know about local funds. [211 Manitoba](https://mb.211.ca/) lists community, government and social services across the province. Call 2-1-1 for free, confidential help.

## Coordinate funding before you order

Manitoba covers a lot through its Prosthetic and Orthotic Program and its wheelchair loans, but hearing aids, foot care and upgrades depend on age, income and who else might pay.

Confirm the primary payer, get the right prescription, use a qualifying provider and get written approval before ordering. Patients should know their balance before fabrication begins.

For clinics, keeping the prescription, approvals, estimate and invoices for each payer connected makes this easier to follow. [Medfair](https://medfair.ca/features) keeps patient files, scheduling, claims and billing in one system.

Comparing provinces? Read our funding guides for [British Columbia](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-british-columbia-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Alberta](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-alberta-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Saskatchewan](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-saskatchewan-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding), [Ontario](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-ontario-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding) and [Quebec](https://medfair.ca/journal/how-quebec-does-prosthetics-and-orthotics-funding).

---

## Sources

- [Manitoba Health: Health coverage and ancillary programs](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/healthcoverage.html)
- [Prosthetic, Orthotic and other Medical Devices Insurance Regulation, M.R. 53/93](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/053-93.php)
- [Better Health: Special medical equipment](https://www.gov.mb.ca/betterhealth/health_services/medical_equipement.html)
- [Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program](https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/hearing_aid_program.html)
- [Employment and Income Assistance Administrative Manual, Chapter 22: Health services](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/22.html)
- [EIA circular 2016-10: MedicAlert bracelets and hearing aids](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/pubs/22.4.1_16-10medicalert_bracelets_hearing_aids.pdf)
- [EIA orthopaedic footwear and foot orthotics policy](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia_manual/pubs/22.4.3_10-46orthopaedic_footwear.pdf)
- [Manitoba Possible: Manitoba Wheelchair Program](https://www.manitobapossible.ca/wheelchair-services)
- [Manitoba Wheelchair Program operating manual (January 2026)](https://www.manitobapossible.ca/s/policy-manual-Jan-2026.pdf)
- [Home care services in Manitoba](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/homecare/index.html)
- [Children's disABILITY Services family supports brochure](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cds/pubs/cds_fam_supports_brochure.pdf)
- [Rehabilitation Centre for Children: Prosthetics and Orthotics](https://rccinc.ca/programs-and-services/prosthetics-and-orthotics/)
- [WCB Manitoba policy 44.120.10: Medical aid](https://www.wcb.mb.ca/policies/medical-aid/)
- [Manitoba Public Insurance: Personal Injury Protection Plan](https://www.mpi.mb.ca/personal-injury-protection-plan/)
- [Manitoba Public Insurance: PIPP Guide](https://www.mpi.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PIPPGuide.pdf)
- [Non-Insured Health Benefits: Medical supplies and equipment guide](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585320116553/1585320137871)
- [Veterans Affairs Canada: Programs of choice](https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/programs-choice)
- [Interim Federal Health Program coverage summary](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html)
- [The War Amps: Child Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/child-amputees/)
- [The War Amps: Adult Amputee Program](https://waramps.ca/ways-we-help/adult-amputees/)
- [211 Manitoba](https://mb.211.ca/)