LAUNCH OF THE ELECTRONIC BENEFIT CARD

OTTAWA, Nov. 1 /CNW/ - The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced the arrival of the Public Service Health Care Plan benefit card for employees and pensioners.

"Pharmacists across the country will now accept the benefit card for prescription claims under the Public Service Health Care Plan," said Minister Day.  "To date, over 800,000 cards have been provided to almost 500,000 plan members and their eligible dependents."

Members and their dependants will no longer have to pay for the full cost of their prescription up front then complete paper claims to be reimbursed for eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies.  The new benefit cards reduce paperwork and processing; members will only have to pay their share of the cost of each prescription up front.

"By allowing the processing of claims electronically, this new card will streamline the process and improve services for members," added Minister Day. "The government will also stand to benefit from saving millions of dollars per year over the long term." 

Over the past four months, plan members have been enrolling with the plan administrator, Sun Life Financial, to obtain their new benefit card. Claims will no longer be processed until the plan member completes enrolment. Plan members not yet enrolled can do so by calling 1-877-283-1411 or by visiting www.sunlife.ca/enrolment_pshcp.

Further information on the Public Service Health Care Plan can be found at the Treasury Board Secretariat website at www.tbs-sct.gc.ca;

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

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For further information:

Jay Denney Director of Communications Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613-952-5051

Media Relations Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 613-957-2640