The Health Benefits Program helps some eligible CF Veterans and their families who would not otherwise qualify for Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) after they release. The VAC program fills this gap, offering them the group health insurance they need through the PSHCP at an affordable cost.
Under the New Charter, CF Veterans and their families will be able to qualify for such things as:
drug benefit;
vision care benefit;
miscellaneous expenses such as medical supplies; and
medical practitioners benefit.
There are two kinds of coverage.
Supplementary coverage helps those who are covered by a health insurance plan through their province or territory.
Comprehensive coverage helps those who live outside Canada and are not covered by a provincial/territorial health insurance plan.
Who can benefit from the health benefits program?
You may qualify if you are a:
CF Veteran who has been approved for benefits under the Service Income Security Insurance Plan Long Term Disability (SISIP LTD) and you do not otherwise qualify for PSHCP;
CF Veteran with a rehab need related to service and who does not otherwise qualify for PSHCP after your release; or
the survivor of a CF member or a CF Veteran whose death is service-related, and does not otherwise qualify for PSHCP.
Important Notes
Like all members of the PSHCP, you will need to pay monthly contributions for group health insurance benefits.
Most expenses will be reimbursed at 80%, with a 20% co-payment amount and annual deductibles that you will need to pay before reimbursements can be made.
VAC's group health insurance program works with SISIP to make sure that if you have SISIP Major Medical, you will have access to lifetime family health coverage once your Major Medical coverage ends.
If you receive Canadian Forces Income Support, VAC will pay your monthly contributions, deductibles and co-payments.
