The Manitoba government is offering a one-time payment of $10,000 to Manitobans who became infected with hepatitis C
after receiving blood or blood products before January 1, 1986 or between
July 1, 1990 and September 28, 1998.
People who contracted the virus between January 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990, as a result of a blood transfusion or the administration
of blood products, are covered by a federal-provincial-territorial program, administered by the
federal government. The Manitoba government also contributes to the federally administered program.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS C?
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver that was first identified in
1989. It is caused by a virus that spreads through direct
blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. This means that you can become infected by a blood transfusion from a donor who has
hepatitis C. Before 1990,Canada's blood supply was not screened
for hepatitis C.
The test now in place to screen Canada's blood supply is considered very reliable.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS C?
Many people who become infected with the hepatitis C virus remain well
and symptom-free for years. This is because the liver may be able to
function for a long time without any visible signs or symptoms of the
infection. Other people feel tired, suffer from joint pain or don't feel like
eating (no appetite). Some have a yellow look to their eyes and skin.
This yellow look is called jaundice.
HOW IS HEPATITIS C DIAGNOSED?
A simple blood test can determine the presence of the hepatitis C
virus. HOW IS HEPATITIS C TREATED?
You and your doctor will decide whether treatment is necessary in your
situation. New treatments are being developed continuously. Many
people are considered 'cured' following treatment. HOW CAN PEOPLE WITH HEPATITIS C PROTECT
THEIR HEALTH?
Avoiding alcohol and other drugs that affect the liver can reduce the
effects of the disease and potential damage to the liver. A healthy
lifestyle and positive attitude also help. Your doctor or public
health nurse can help you learn other ways to protect your health
and the health of those close to you. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION?
You may be eligible for compensation under Manitoba's Hepatitis C
Assistance Program if you contracted hepatitis C either before January
1, 1986 or between July 1, 1990 and September 28, 1998:
- as a direct result of a blood transfusion or the administration of
blood products in Manitoba; or
- indirectly, from a spouse, partner or parent, who contracted the
disease as a result of a blood transfusion or the administration of blood
products in Manitoba.
You may also apply as the representative for the estate of an
individual who died of hepatitis C and contracted the virus from blood
or blood products received in Manitoba during the period covered by
the Manitoba program.
A person who is eligible for the federal-provincial-territorial
compensation program is not eligible for assistance under the Manitoba Hepatitis C
Assistance Program. Similarly, someone who is eligible for the MHCAP
benefit is not eligible under the federally administered program. HOW
DO I APPLY FOR COMPENSATION?
To apply for the $10,000 benefit, you must fill out a program
application form. The first part of the form asks for personal information, including when the applicant was diagnosed with
hepatitis C, and how/when the virus was contracted from blood or blood
products in Manitoba. Information from your doctor and/or specialist
is also needed.
The doctor who knows the most about your hepatitis C condition should
fill out the physician form.
The signed and completed form should be mailed to:
MHCAP
Manitoba Health
300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9
Please note that the signed form gives Manitoba Health permission to
verify and gather information (such as transfusion records) to assess
your application. This information will be handled confidentially in accordance with the strict provisions of Manitoba's
Personal Health Information Act.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY ASSISTANCE
PAYMENT?
This depends on whether your application provides complete information and
how easy it is to confirm the details about your hepatitis C
condition, particularly how and when you got the virus from blood or blood products in Manitoba.
If there is any
information missing from your application, the MHCAP office will contact you.
CAN I APPEAL THE DECISION ON MY APPLICATION?
Yes. If your application is declined, the Manitoba Hepatitis C Assistance Program will inform you of the
decision in writing and at the same time, provide you with information
about the appeal process. DO I GIVE UP ANY
LEGAL RIGHTS TO SUE FOR DAMAGES?
No. If you apply for the payment, you must sign a declaration
acknowledging the funds you receive from the Manitoba government.
This
acknowledgment form is included with your application.
If you receive the payment, you will still have the right to take legal action, should you choose to.
If
you launch a successful lawsuit against the government at any future point,
your assistance payment may be taken into account if a settlement is
awarded. MORE INFORMATION?
Contact Manitoba Health:
- to obtain an application package;
- to get help in filling out the application form; and
- if you have any other questions about the Manitoba Hepatitis C Assistance Program.
Call 788-6339 (in Winnipeg) or toll-free 1-866-357-0196
E-mail:
bloodprograms@gov.mb.ca
Contact the federal government's 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Claims
Centre at 1-877-434-0944
if you:
- received a blood transfusion between 1986 and 1990; and
- have tested positive for hepatitis C.
The information on this page is reviewed on a semi-annual basis,
and is considered accurate as of July 2007.
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