This issue of the bulletin outlines important changes to the PSHCP that take effect April 1, 2006. These changes to the plan are the result of a two year collaborative effort between the Treasury Board Secretariat, Bargaining Agents and the Federal Superannuates National Association under the auspices of the National Joint Council.

The changes include

• the introduction of some brand new benefits,
• a number of upgrades,
• some changes to plan provisions to increase flexibility, and
• new contribution rates for pensioners.

Contents of the bulletin include

• Introducing new benefits
• Introducing benefit upgrades
• Introducing changes to plan provisions
• A few words on Pay Direct Drug Cards (PDDC)
• Questions and Answers

A copy will be mailed to all members covered by the plan, it is also available for download here .

The agreement is the product of a collaborative process that began in 2004. The terms of the new five-year agreement will improve benefits and ensure that the PSHCP continues on a sound financial foundation for the future. The new terms of the PSHCP will come into effect April 1, 2006 and will mark the first major changes in benefits under the Plan in over a decade.

The agreement introduces:

• increased financial assistance for members who face high prescription drug costs;
• coordination of benefits for couples where both spouses are members of the PSHCP;
• increased flexibility in the payment of contributions for members on leave without pay;
• increased coverage for vision care to $275;
• increased coverage for hearing aids to $1000 every five years;
• increased out-of province coverage for members and other modifications to benefits and services under the Plan.

In addition, the agreement provides for the introduction of a pay-direct drug card that will eliminate the need for plan members to pay for their prescription drugs up-front and seek reimbursement later. Although work to this end will begin as soon as possible, it is not expected that the card will be introduced before 2008. Plan members will be kept informed of the progress of this work.

For pensioners, the agreement provides for a monthly contribution increase of $5.70 for single coverage and $12.14 for family coverage for the next five years which essentially restores the historical funding ratio of 75% from the employer and 25% from pensioners.

Additional information on benefit changes will be provided to members as soon as possible. This information will also be available on the National Joint Council and Treasury Board web sites.

Now there’s a group - the Association of Public Alliance Retirees (APSAR) - just for them. Members can apply for membership even before they’ve actually retired. For the small annual sum for membership, members will continue to have access to many of the benefits available to them as Alliance members. APSAR is the only Public Service Retiree Association that exists under Federal Statute.

Some locals now pay for a first year membership as a going away gift for a retiring member. If you are interested in joining this organization, or in purchasing a complimentary membership for someone retiring in your local, you can contact their National Vice President for B.C. at the following address:

Jeanne Abramowich
110 4885 53rd Street
Delta B.C. V4K2Z3

or phone: 604 940 0091
or email: abrajan@dccnet.com