FAQs Archive - BCPSEA Benefits Buying Group

Q: If I am presently being charged a smoker rate for Optional Life or Optional Spouse Life insurance, can this rate be changed to a non-smoker rate at a later date?

Yes. If the Insured has abstained from the use of tobacco products for at least the past 12 consecutive months, he or she may apply for the preferred non-smoking rate by completing the Smoker Declaration form.

Q: I have optional life insurance for myself and/or my Spouse. Is it necessary to periodically complete a form to ensure that my smoking habits, or that of my Spouse, have not changed?

No. The only time that you or your Spouse must again attest to your smoking habits is when there is a change in the amount of optional life insurance. If an increase is requested, the Smoker Declaration form must be completed on the Application, indicating the smoking status at the time of the requested increase.

Q: Can I waive coverage?

Most if not all of the benefits offered by the District through the BCPSEA Benefits Program are mandatory as part of your employment with the District. You may waive extended health and dental for yourself and all Eligible Dependents if you have coverage under another plan (ie. Spouse's employer's plan) by completing the BCPSEA Benefits Change form (for new hires) or Waiver of Coverage form, and providing evidence of the other benefits plan (if applicable at your District). If you wish to apply for previously waived benefits coverage at a later date, you should refer to the sections on Changes - Life Events and Late Applicants.

Q: If I become disabled, are the premiums for my benefits continued?

If you become disabled, you may be eligible for long term disability (LTD), Workers' Compensation and/or other disability insurance benefits. If you are approved for LTD benefits by the insurer, your premiums for LTD will be waived as long as you meet the definition of disability. You may also be eligible for waiver of life insurance, optional life insurance, and/or accidental death & dismemberment premiums. The insurers have strict application timelines, so you should contact your Benefits Administrator as soon as possible after you become disabled for more information.

Q: Am I required to register for PharmaCare?

If you are a BC resident and enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP), you can register your family to receive your maximum financial assistance under Fair PharmaCare. Your family includes you, your spouse and any dependent children whose Medical Services Plan coverage is on the same contract as you or your spouse. Your extended health coverage (EHC) through Pacific Blue Cross requires that you take advantage of other plans that are available to you, such as the Fair PharmaCare program. As a result, the EHC plan will only pay for eligible drugs up to your deductible and amounts that exceed the 70% PharmaCare co-payment. In other words, your EHC plan does not provide coverage for drug expenses that are eligible under the Fair PharmacCare program. After you reach a certain threshold of drug expenses, PBC will contact you to request proof that you have registered with the Fair PhamaCare program. You can still register for PharmaCare. As part of the registration process, you will be asked for your family's annual net income based on your previous year's income tax returns. You will also be asked to provide authorization for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to send information from your tax return to Fair PharmaCare. You will be advised of your annual Fair PharmaCare deductible at time of registration, and will receive notice each year for the following year's annual deductible. You can contact PharmaCare at 1-800-663-7100 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekends). You can also register on-line at www.gov.bc.ca .