Important reminder re: extended health care receipts from May 5 - December 31, 2003

All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are reminded that any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred between May 5 and December 31, 2003 must be submitted to Pacific Blue Cross no later than October 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.

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 October 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.

Details regarding reimbursement for 2004 claims can be found in the attached bulletin from September 13, 2004.