Extended health care plans

Most current and retired PIPSC members and their eligible dependents have access to an extended health care plan designed to supplement public healthcare.

PIPSC does not have access to your individual extended health care plan information. Your HR department can provide you with information on a specific plan.

Public service health care plan

PIPSC members in the following groups are included in the Public service health care plan (PSHCP):

The PSHCP is a private health care plan for federal public service employees and eligible dependents designed to supplement public healthcare. It reimburses all or part of your eligible medical expenses.  The plan will be updated on July 1st of 2023.  Information on plan updates can be found in our webinar on plan changes and FAQ. 

Our Member Guide best explains the most important aspects of the updated plan.

Benefits covered under the PSHCP are divided into two broad categories:

• Extended health care benefits: Plan members and qualifying dependents are reimbursed for reasonable and specific medical services and products. These may include prescription drugs, private nursing services, eyeglasses and contact lenses, some physiotherapist and massage therapist services, orthotics and ambulance services. Some expenses, such as unlisted medications or durable products, athletic therapy, and convalescence, are not covered.
• Hospital benefits: Plan members and their qualifying dependents are covered for hospital costs up to specified limits. This is based on the three levels of coverage available.  Members are automatically placed in the lowest coverage category and may elect to pay for a higher level of coverage by submitting a request. The levels of coverage as of July 2023 are as follows:
  • Level I – maximum payment of $90 per day
  • Level II – maximum payment of $170 per day
  • Level III – maximum payment of $250 per day

Certain benefits, especially medications, have specific rules.  Your union has prepared a guide to help you navigate the updated PSHCP, including any appeals processes.

Learn more:

• Webinar on Plan Changes
• Frequently Asked Question on Plan Changes
• PIPSC Guide to the PSHCP: Drug coverage & more
• Public service health care plan (PSHCP)
• PSHCP summary
• PSHCP directive
• Important plan changes – notice board

Extended health care plans for PIPSC members at other employers

PIPSC members in the following groups can learn more about their extended health plans on their group pages:

For groups that do not have information posted, please contact your group executive.