Deadline to submit extended health receipts extended to November 15

All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are encouraged to submit any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred by members or dependents between May 5 and December 31, 2003 to Pacific Blue Cross no later than November 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement. The deadline has been extended one month to November 15 because of administrative delays.

Some HSA members may not have submitted their receipts for this period due to directive from Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) to Pacific Blue Cross that the collective agreement did not require them to cover the additional costs arising from the BC government's decision to de-list physiotherapy, chiropractic services, massage therapy and podiatry.

HEABC and the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association have since reached an agreement that Pacific Blue Cross will in fact cover these costs. The agreement is retroactive to May 5, 2003, the date of the grievance.

Members who, because of the outstanding grievance, did not submit claims from May 5 ... December 31, 2003 by the normal deadline of June 30, 2004, must submit these claims to Pacific Blue Cross no later than November 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.

Details regarding reimbursement for 2004 claims can be found in Bulletin BL9993 from September 13, 2004.