Finally we are seeing two long-overdue improvements to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP): coverage of non-oral contraceptive methods and an electronic system for making vision care and paramedical claims.
Currently, only oral contraceptives (the birth control pill) are covered. Along with other federal public sector unions, PIPSC has long argued that it is discriminatory for oral contraceptives only to be covered under our health plan. The recommendation will go to Treasury Board for final approval and recommends the effective date of April 1, 2018. Our members will very soon be able to choose the birth control method best suited to their needs.
In addition, a long awaited electronic claims system will also be in place as of April 1, 2018. It promises to provide reimbursements more quickly and will be available through the web and a mobile app.
This new system will be available for vision care claims, any covered paramedical service, such as massage therapy and physiotherapy, as well as some medical equipment and supplies. You must register with Sun Life to access this service. Please refer to both the health plan and Sun Life websites for more details, which will soon be released.
PIPSC, along with other unions, will continue the process of negotiating a host of improvements to the PSHCP with the Treasury Board.