Benefits for Retired Members
June 2011 - Section 9

Public Service Health Care Plan

Most retired public servants and their dependants can participate in the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). Where there are provincial medicare plans, the Plan is supplementary, providing coverage for drugs and other miscellaneous expenses. For pensioners and their dependants residing outside Canada who are not covered under a provincial or territorial health insurance plan, the Plan provides comprehensive coverage for medical and surgical expenses. Both the Supplementary and Comprehensive plans cover eligible expenses, subject to certain limitations.

If you become re-employed in the federal public service and your pension is suspended (see Section 8), you must re-apply as an employee in order to maintain coverage under this Plan. Your compensation advisor will provide you with information and the application form.

If there are changes in your marital status or to the number of your eligible dependants, you should report them immediately to us. Changes requiring notification are outlined in the PSHCP booklet.

Please note that if you or any of your insured dependants take up permanent residence outside Canada, you must ensure that you have applied for Comprehensive coverage. If you have any questions related to whether Comprehensive coverage is required, please consult the booklet or contact the Pension Centre (see Section 1).

When inquiring about the Public Service Health Care Plan, please provide your pension and PSHCP numbers to assist us in handling your request.

If you wish to consult the Plan document on line, you can visit the PSHCP Trust Web site.

To find out about the latest PSHCP contribution rates for pensioners, visit the Your Public Service Pension and Benefits Web portal. Once on the Retired Member profile, simply choose Information Notices on the left navigation bar.