Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there changes to my benefit plans due to the collective agreement renewals?
• How do I cancel or add a spouse/dependent to my benefit coverage?
• If my spouse is also a public service employee, can we have dual coverage?
• How do I change my address with the benefit carriers?
• How do I advise the benefit carriers of my name change?
• What are the employer and employee contributions towards benefit premiums? Are these taxable?
• How do I claim drug expenses under the Extended Health Care Plan?
• Am I covered through Extended Health while Traveling outside of Canada?
• As a new employee, how do I enroll for benefits?
• Where do I find information about an educational leave?
• When does coverage terminate?

Are there changes to my benefit plans due to the collective agreement renewals?

• Yes. For a summary of all changes go to Benefit Plan Changes (34KB PDF).

How do I cancel or add a spouse/dependent to my benefit coverage?

• Please see the Change to your Benefits Enrollment section.

If my spouse is also a public service employee, can we have dual coverage?

• No, you must decide which employee will enroll in the benefit plans and add the spouse and/or dependents on the one plan. We do not allow dual enrollment or claims. You may wish to consider the Income Tax implications for each employee to decide which one will enroll on the benefit plans.

How do I change my address with the benefit carriers?

• To update your address, please use Employee Self Serve. Once changed in Employee Self Serve, your address will be automatically updated with the benefit carriers.

How do I advise the benefit carriers of my name change?

• Please see the Change to your Benefits Enrollment section.

What are the employer and employee contributions towards benefit premiums? Are these taxable?

The table below outlines the various employee and employer paid benefits for eligible employees. For some benefits, the employer paid portion of the premiums is a taxable benefit to the employee.

How do I claim drug expenses under the Extended Health Care Plan?

• When you go to the pharmacy, show the pharmacist your Pacific Blue Cross Extended Health Care identification card. The pharmacy will submit your claim on-line and be reimbursed the eligible amount directly by the Extended Health Care plan — you will only pay your portion at the till. You may choose to pay the entire cost and submit an Extended Health Claim form with your receipts to Pacific Blue Cross for reimbursement. For those pharmacies not on line with Pacific Blue Cross, you pay the entire cost and submit a claim form with your receipts re reimbursement.
• Please note that there is a $45 yearly deductible (Effective Jan. 01, 2008 — $55; Effective Jan. 01, 2009 — $65.) and you must reach this deductible before you will be reimbursed by the plan. Please note all extended health care claims for the previous year must be submitted to the carrier by June 30.
• If you have coverage under two different drug plans (employee and spouse), you may use the on- line services (pay direct) with Pacific Blue Cross for your expenses only. Expenses for your spouse must be claimed under his/her plan first, then you would submit a paper claim to your plan. If your spouse’s plan does not provide pay direct service, the total cost must be paid to the pharmacy and submit for reimbursement to both plans. As your original receipts will not be returned, please make a copy to send to the second carrier. Expenses for dependent children would be claimed first under the parent’s plan whose birth date falls first in the year. You may use pay direct services under your plan if your birth date falls earlier in the year than your spouse’s birth date. If your birth date falls later in the year than your spouse’s birth date, expenses for dependent children must be claimed under your spouse’s plan first.
• The cost of the drug and the dispensing fee can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy. We suggest you shop around to receive the best value for your purchases.

Am I covered through Extended Health while Traveling outside of Canada?

• For information please following link to: Coverage While Traveling Outside of Canada?

When does coverage terminate?

Please read "When coverage ends".