A tentative agreement about a Renewed Public Service Health Care Plan with Bargaining Agents and retiree representatives was reportedly reached, the Government of Canada announced today.
Sponsored by the Government of Canada, the PSHCP is an optional health care plan providing coverage to 1.5 million federal public service employees, retirees, and their dependents.
The last comprehensive renewal of the PSHCP took place in 2006.
This modern plan provides enhanced support for members at no additional cost to taxpayers that is both fair to its employees and Canadians.
“When there’s a shared commitment to work together, we can achieve positive results…most modern public sector health care plans in the world…to stand up for diversity and inclusion in the public service,” said Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board in today’s news release
Included in the new features of the Plan are increased support for mental health and well-being, such as increased coverage for psychological services and an expansion of mental health service providers.
The first time availability of the coverage for gender affirmation places the Government of Canada as a leader in modernized employee health care benefits.
Other provisions in the tentative agreement include supporting the accessibility needs of members and their dependents, with greater access to benefits for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Also included are amendments to eligibility requirements that would benefit low-income and working seniors, amendments to coverage during parental and caregiving leaves for families and young people, and increases in coverage, such as paramedical services, mental health services, and laser eye surgery.
To ensure the financial sustainability of the PSHCP over the long term, the proposed enhancements would be cost-neutral according to the tentative agreement.
These changes would go into effect July 1, 2023 subject to the approval of the joint recommendation.
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