Coming Soon: The BC Services Card

Beginning February 15, 2013, the provincial government will introduce the BC Services Card, which will be phased in over a five-year period. The new card replaces the CareCard, can be combined with the driver’s licence and also serves as government-issued identification. All BC Services Cards will have an expiry date, enhanced security features and most will have a photograph, which will help to improve patient safety and reduce card misuse.
 
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) will be the first program available through the new card. With this change, and beginning February 15, 2013, there will be a new requirement for most adult BC residents to renew their enrolment in MSP by 2018.
 
New regulations will also come into effect for health care providers, including the duty to verify patients’ enrolment in MSP and the duty to report MSP misuse.For information on these requirements and more, please visit: health.gov.bc.ca/insurance/pros.html where you will find the following resources:
 

·         BC Services Card ID fact sheet;

·         Questions and answers;

·         eLearning tool; and,

·         Technical readiness information.

In January 2013, a public communications campaign will be launched to inform BC residents about the BC Services Card and the changes to MSP. Kits with posters, brochures and other communications materials will be delivered to health providers and other locations in communities across the province. Your office will receive one of these kits along with an order form for additional materials, which will be available at no charge.
 
If you would like more general information, please visit: BCServicesCard.ca or by telephone 1-800-663-7867 (604-660-2421 in Metro Vancouver and 250-387-6121 in Victoria).