British Columbia

Healthy Kids Program

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

The Healthy Kids Program provides coverage for basic dental treatment, optical care and hearing assistance to children in low-income families, who are not in receipt of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance. The Healthy Kids Program is an income-tested program. Your family must have an annual adjusted net income of $42,000 or less to be eligible for these benefits.

Through the Healthy Kids Program, children of low-income families can get help with the costs of:

  • Basic dental care
  • Prescription eyewear
  • Hearing instruments
  • Alternative hearing assistance

Dental

Children are eligible for up to a maximum of $2,000 towards basic dental services every two years. This includes:

  • Exams
  • X-rays
  • Fillings
  • Cleanings
  • Extractions

Emergency treatment is available if your child has reached the $2,000 limit. It is only available for the immediate relief of pain.

Optical

Children are eligible for prescription glasses once a year. This includes lenses and basic frames. MSP (Medical Services Plan) covers eye examinations for children.

Contact lenses are not included. All prescriptions must be current and meet certain criteria. Ask your optical provider for more information.

Hearing

Children are eligible for:

  • Hearing aids
  • Bone anchored hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants
  • Repairs
  • Related items

Your audiologist or hearing instrument provider will assess the best option for your child. They then must send in their recommendations for preauthorization. If approved, coverage provides the least expensive, appropriate hearing instrument.

The Healthy Kids Program is an income-tested program. Your children are eligible for the Healthy Kids Program if:

  • Your family is eligible for Medical Services Plan (MSP) supplementary benefits.
  • They are under 19 years old.

Notice of Assessment

A statement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to each taxpayer, every year, after you have filed a tax return. It tells you the amount of income tax you owe, or the amount of the refund you will get.

To this benefit, you must:

  • Apply for MSP supplementary benefits with Health Insurance BC (HIBC).
  • File your taxes each year with Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Update your MSP account if you have any changes in your family (adding or removing a spouse or child).

Health Insurance BC (HIBC) will verify your income each year to determine ongoing eligibility for supplementary benefits and the Healthy Kids Program. Your family must have an annual adjusted net income of $42,000 or less to be eligible for these benefits.

To access the Healthy Kids coverage, show your child’s CareCard or BC Services Card when you arrive at the dental, optical or audiology office. Confirm coverage before the appointment with the provider and ask if there will be any extra charges that are not covered.

Last updated: April 8, 2021