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Transfer of Medical Pension Information to DND from VAC
Qs & As
Background
The Canadian Forces (CF) are responsible for providing health care services to members. A health care team comprised of the Canadian Forces Medical Service and the Canadian Forces Dental Service meets this mandate. The standard of care provided by the CF is, as a minimum, equivalent to what the majority of Canadians receive.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) extends health care benefits to still-serving CF members who suffer or who have suffered from illnesses or injuries attributable to pensioned military service. If a CF member is eligible for benefits from VAC due to such a condition, they have received a special "dual card" which indicates that they are eligible for both CF and VAC health benefits.
To ensure that the CF can effectively administer health benefits on VAC's behalf for still-serving personnel, VAC has, since October 27, 2001, exchanged five "pieces" of information (name, service number, pension code, pension code description and pension effective date) with the CF medical system. The purpose of this transfer is to ensure that CF medical staff are fully aware of all medical conditions and treatments that could impact on a CF member's ability to perform their military duties.
To assist eligible clients in understanding their full health benefits, along with their "dual card", they have received copies of two booklets: Veterans Affairs Canada Health Care Benefits and Canadian Forces Health Services - Understanding and accessing your Health Care Benefits : an Information Guide.
Q1. |
Why does VAC share pension information of CF clients with the CF?
Our main concern is for the health, safety and well being of our clients. Previously this information was not shared - in some cases, still-serving CF clients were receiving treatment through VAC that might have impaired their ability to perform their military duties. As long as CF medical staff were unaware of this treatment, the member was considered "employable without limitations". This had the very real potential for the member to accidentally cause injury to themselves or those around them.
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Q2. |
How is this information shared with the CF?
Information is transferred electronically through an integration of the CF and VAC health claims processing systems both of which are currently managed under contract by Blue Cross. CF medical group staff are the only personnel who have access to this system. Historical information about benefits or services that may have been received in the past through VAC will not be shared with the CF. No information will be shared with the CF about pension applications which have been declined.
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Q3. |
When did the information transfer with the CF begin?
The new system was implemented on October 27, 2001.
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Q4. |
Have the CF adopted VAC's Program of Choice list within their Spectrum of Care system?
Yes, eligible VAC clients can now access a comprehensive suite of treatment benefits from Spectrum of Care and Programs of Choice. Both of the programs will be administered through the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces Medical Group will only be responsible for administering these benefits on behalf of VAC while the client is still-serving with the CF. VAC will continue to administer all aspects of pension eligibility and health benefits for discharged members of the forces. Finally, VAC continues to administer the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).
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Q5. |
I understand that CF clients still have the right to appeal treatment benefit decisions relating to disability pensions directly to VAC. How will this work?
Still serving CF members are able to appeal treatment benefit decisions related to their pensioned condition directly to VAC. This request must be submitted in writing within 60 days upon receiving written notification of the unfavourable decision. CF appeals should be sent to:
Director of National Benefit Administration
Veterans Affairs Canada
PO Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 8M9
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Q6. |
How does this change affect reservists?
Reservists who are on a long-term contract with the CF, Class C or Class B (180 days and over) will receive a dual card. Reserves who are Class A or Class B (less than 180 days) will continue to receive benefits for pensioned conditions through VAC.
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Q7. |
Who should a client or provider contact for further information regarding coverage?
A CF member can contact their Health Care Coordinator for more information. A list of Coordinators is available online at http://www.dnd.ca/health/services/hig/
engraph/base_addresses_e.asp.
CF members can also contact the Canadian Forces Health Information Line (1-877-633-3368). The service is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Finally, further information can also be found in DND's Web site.
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