Provincial health insurance plans

Table of contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Eligibility
• 3. Employer contributions
  • 3.1 Deductions at source
  • 3.2 Contributions in respect of provincially subsidized health insurance premiums
• 4. Grievance procedure
• 5. References
• 6. Enquiries
• Appendix A

1. Introduction

The government, as employer, contributes towards employees' provincial health insurance premium costs.

2. Eligibility

The provincial health insurance authorities establish eligibility criteria for coverage under their plans. As employer, the federal government has agreed to comply with those criteria in respect of its employees. Therefore, if the provincial criteria require an employer to enrol an employee in the employer group and make premium payments on behalf of that employee, departments may authorize a deduction from that employee's salary of the appropriate share of the required premium, (regardless of the length of term and the assigned work week), as well as payment of the appropriate employer share.

For example, if an employee is hired for four months and is required to enrol in the employer group for British Columbia Health Care Plan coverage, the department may authorize a deduction of the required premium taking effect from the date stipulated by the provincial rules. However, in no case should premium payments be authorized for any period during which the individual was not an employee of the government.

3. Employer contributions

In provinces where premiums are payable by residents, the government contributes towards combined provincial hospital and medical care insurance premiums payable by its employees. The applicable employee and employer contribution rates for employees with and without dependants are contained in Appendix A to this chapter.

4. Grievance procedure

In cases of alleged misinterpretation or misapplication of this directive by the employer, the grievance procedure for all represented employees, within the meaning of the Public Service Labour Relations Act, will be in accordance with section 15 of the National Joint Council By-Laws. For unrepresented employees, the departmental grievance procedure applies.

5. References

Financial Administration Act
-Deductions from pay section 2.4.4
Chapter 6, 2.4.4.

6. Enquiries

The Accounting, Banking and Compensation Branch of Public Works and Government Services Canada is responsible for premium deductions (where authorized), accounting procedures, and forwarding of premiums to the provincial authorities. From time to time, Services Pay directives are issued in respect of such matters. Enquiries should be directed to the appropriate pay office.

Appendix A