The Government of Canada announced today that it has reached a tentative agreement with Bargaining Agents and retiree representatives on a renewed Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) that is both fair to its employees and reasonable for Canadians. The modernized plan provides enhanced support for members at no additional cost to taxpayers.
New features of the Plan include increased support for mental health and well-being, such as increased coverage for psychological services and an expansion of mental health service providers. For the first time, coverage would be available for gender affirmation, placing the Government of Canada as a leader in modernized employee health care benefits.
In addition, the tentative agreement includes provisions that would help support the accessibility needs of members and their dependants, including greater access to benefits for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Included also are amendments to eligibility requirements that would benefit low-income and working seniors. Plan improvements for families and young people include amendments to coverage during parental and caregiving leaves and increases in coverage, such as paramedical services, mental health services and laser eye surgery.
The proposed enhancements would be cost-neutral as the tentative agreement includes amendments that will ensure financial sustainability of the PSHCP over the long term.
Should the joint recommendation receive approval, the changes would go into effect July 1, 2023.
