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FAQ

The following frequently asked questions are posted to help you better understand the Plan.

Opt Out

Can I opt out?

If you’re already covered by an equivalent health and dental plan (such as a parent's or spouse’s employee benefit plan, or a plan provided by your band council or through Health Canada), you can opt out during the Change-of-Coverage Period. Only new Term 2 students can opt out during the January Change-of-Coverage Period.

How do I opt-out?

All opt outs are done online through our website here. You’ll need your student ID number and your date of birth. Opting out online ensures quick processing and allows you to receive an instant confirmation of your opt out.

How do I know if my opt-out is complete?

If you successfully opt-out from the Plan, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email once your opt out is complete. If you don’t receive an opt-out confirmation email by the end of your Change-of-Coverage Period, please contact our Care Centre.

How and when do I get my refund?

If you successfully opt out from the Plan, the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan fee will be reversed from your student account shortly after the end of the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period. You’re responsible for paying all university fees within the prescribed deadlines. If you don’t pay the AMS/GSS Plan fee by the Change-of-Coverage deadline, you may be assessed late fees and interest. It is for this reason we recommend that you pay all university fees, even if you opt out of the Plan.

Self Enrolment

How can I enrol myself into the Plan?

All self-enrolments are done online through our website during the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period by clicking here. You’ll need your student ID number and your date of birth. Self-enrolling online ensures quick processing and allows you to receive an instant confirmation of your self-enrolment request.

What kind of proof of eligibility document do you need?

If the university didn’t bill you automatically but you’re eligible for the Plan, you must provide proof of eligibility (“Tuition Details” or “Registration Statement”) during the online self-enrolment process.

When will I receive payment instructions for my online self-enrolment?

Once your self-enrolment and proof of eligibility document have been reviewed, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions and a deadline during or shortly after the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period.

How long is my self-enrolment valid for?

All self-enrolments for Term 1 students are valid from Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024. New eligible Term 2 students may enrol themselves in the Plan for coverage between Jan. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2024.

Couple & Family Enrolments

Can I enrol my family in the Plan?

Yes, your Plan gives you the option to enrol your family (spouse and/or dependent children) during the appropriate Change-of-Coverage Period by completing an enrolment process and by paying an additional fee, over and above your individual fee as a Plan member through our website by clicking here. Common law couples are eligible.

Can I enrol all of my family members?

Your Plan gives you the option to enrol your dependent children and/or your spouse. You can only cover one spouse at a time.

Can I opt out and enrol my family members?

No, you must remain covered by the Plan in order to enrol your eligible family members. Dependants’ coverage must be equal to or lesser than the Plan member’s coverage.

Will their coverage automatically be renewed next year?

Coverage is only for the current policy year. If you want to cover your dependants in subsequent policy years, you must renew your couple/family coverage during the Change-of-Coverage Period at the beginning of each school year.

Claiming

What are the different ways I can claim?

You can submit your receipts and paper claims directly to Pacific Blue Cross by mail or, you can submit claims quickly and easily through Pacific Blue Cross’s online portal or mobile app. For more information, click here.

What’s an Explanation of Benefits?

An explanation of benefits (EOB) statement tells you what portion of a claim was paid to the health care provider and what payment you must pay. Once your claim has been processed, you’ll receive an EOB from your insurer either electronically or by mail.

How do I register for direct deposit?

You can view or print details of your claims and register for direct deposit by registering for an online account with Pacific Blue Cross. Please visit Pacific Blue Cross's Member Profile (formerly called CARESnet) to register. You’ll be asked to enter your Policy Number and an ID number. The ID number is your 9-digit student ID number.

How do I track and view my claims history?

You can view or print details of your claims and set up direct deposit by registering for an online account with Pacific Blue Cross. Please visit Pacific Blue Cross's Member Profile (formerly called CARESnet) to register. You will be asked to enter your Policy Number and an ID number. The ID number is your 9-digit student ID number.

Is there a claiming deadline?

Yes, all health and dental claims must be received by Pacific Blue Cross no later than 90 days after the end of the policy year in which the claims were incurred or 90 days after the end of your coverage, whichever is sooner. Full-year coverage for this policy year ends Aug. 31, 2024. For more information and last year’s deadlines, click here.

What's my policy number?

Your policy number for health, dental, and travel benefits is 43979. The benefits are insured by Pacific Blue Cross. 

Prescription Drugs

Which drugs are covered under my Plan?

The AMS/GSS Health Plan covers medications listed in the BC Fair PharmaCare Formulary, including most oral contraceptives, insulin and diabetic supplies. The Plan covers most medications legally requiring a prescription. Charges in excess of the lowest priced equivalent generic product aren’t covered unless your doctor indicates on the prescription “no substitution”. For more information, including prescription drug maximums, click here.

How do I know if my drug is eligible for coverage?

To find out if a specific drug is covered, contact our Care Centre with both the name of the drug and its Drug Identification Number (DIN).

What is Fair PharmaCare?

Fair PharmaCare is a provincial income-based program designed to provide fair access to coverage for prescription drugs—the lower your income, the more assistance the government will provide toward your eligible drug costs. For more information, please click here.

How do I use my Pay-Direct Card?

By presenting the Pay-Direct Card with your valid student ID card, you can fill your prescriptions at most pharmacies in British Columbia. The pharmacist will be able to process the claim immediately, so you won’t have to pay the full amount up front and wait to be reimbursed.

My drug isn’t eligible for coverage. What next?

This formulary includes the majority of the prescription drugs commonly claimed by AMS/GSS students. If your drug isn’t covered, you can apply for a Drug Exception reimbursement by clicking here.

Studentcare Networks

What are the Studentcare Networks?

The Studentcare Networks are composed of different types of health and dental practitioners conveniently located in your area and other regions of Canada. Their commitment to helping students provides you with the option of paying less for their services. Studentcare Networks savings work in addition to your insured benefits so that you can save even more money.

Do I have to see a Studentcare Networks professional?

You aren’t limited to Studentcare Networks members. You’re covered for the insured portion regardless of the practitioner you choose. By consulting a member of the Studentcare Networks, you’ll get additional coverage.

Out-of-Province Students

Can I access the Plan benefits if I move to BC but keep my home provincial health care?

Yes, you can access your Plan benefits so long as you have Canadian provincial health-care coverage.

I’m not eligible for PharmaCare because I don’t have the BC Medical Services Plan; how do I remove the threshold?

If you’re already covered by another provincial health care and or are an international students who hasn’t yet enrolled in BC MSP, you aren't eligible for Fair PharmaCare. However, you must contact the Care Centre so that we can ensure that your prescription drug claims continue to be covered by the AMS/GSS Health Plan at 80% with no restriction.

Can I use the Plan benefits anywhere in Canada?

Yes, you can use your Plan benefits anywhere in Canada. When applicable, claims will be coordinated with your provincial health-care coverage. For more information on how to claim, click here.

Combining Plans & Coordinating Benefits

Can I coordinate benefits with another plan?

Yes, if you’re covered by another extended plan in addition to your student Plan (e.g. through a parent's or spouse's employer, or your own employer), you may coordinate the benefits in order to increase your overall coverage, up to 100%.

How do I coordinate benefits with my employee plan?

If you’re covered by your employer in addition to a student plan, your employee plan is your primary plan. All claims must first be submitted to your employee plan and then the remaining balance can be sent to your student plan. For step-by-step instructions, click here.

How do I coordinate benefits with my parent’s or spouse’s plan?

If you’re covered by your spouse’s or parent’s plan in addition to a student plan, your student plan is your primary plan. All claims must first be submitted to your student plan and then the remaining balance can be sent to your spouse’s or parent’s plan. For step-by-step instructions, click here.

You still have some unanswered questions?
Don't hesitate to contact the Care Center

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