Extended Health Benefits

In September of 2012, and again in January of 2015, VTF members voted at a VTF General Meeting to keep our existing extended health benefits through Pacific Blue Cross, rather than to accept the provincial benefits package.

At a VTF General Meeting on January 14th, VTF members voted on a process of reexamination of the Extended Health Benefits Plan for the life of our current Collective Agreement (2013-2019). To that end, the following motion passed at that meeting:

THAT as long as the VTF retains the current EHP plan:

i. By April 01 of each year of the 2013-2019 collective agreement, the VTF EC will meet to review the provincial extended health care plan.

ii. The VTF EC will make a report regarding the provincial extended health care plan to a VTF General Meeting before June 30 for each year forward, until the end of the 2013-2019 agreement.

iii. Any subsequent membership vote to join the provincial extended health care plan will be by secret ballot.

Below is a summary of some of the more commonly used benefits in that plan. For specific plan details, please contact Pacific Blue Cross.

  • Reimbursement–80% until $1000 paid per family, then 100%
  • Annual Deductible–$25
  • Lifetime Maximum–Unlimited

  • Per Prescription Deductible–$0
  • Sexual Dysfunction–Not Covered
  • Oral Contraceptives–Covered
  • Fertility Drugs–$3000 lifetime maximum

  • Med-Assist–Included
  • Out-of-province emergency medical–Covered
  • Ambulance–Covered
  • Hospital–Private/Semi-Private
  • In-home nursing care–Covered with Doctor’s note
  • Hearing Aids–$500 per ear over 60 months (adults)
  • Miscellaneous Services and Supplies–Covered (subject to the reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Orthopedic shoes–1 pair per person per lifetime
  • 1 pair per person per lifetime (combined with orthopedic shoes)

  • Maximum–$200 per 24 months
  • Eye exams per 24 months–Not covered

  • Naturopath–$500 per year (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Chiropractor–Covered (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Massage Therapist (registered)–Covered (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Physiotherapist–Covered (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Psychologist–$100 per year (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Speech Therapist–$300 per year (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Acupuncturist–$300 per year (subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)
  • Podiatrist/Chiropodist–$200 per year (No Chiropodist)(subject to reasonable and customary limits as defined by PBC)