Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Pacific Blue Cross

After careful review and consideration, SFURA has made the decision to improve retirees Pacific Blue Cross extended health care benefits to better support the retirees and their families. These improvements include:

1. Paramedical coverage from individual maximum to a combined maximum of $2,500 per year including Acupuncture, Chiropractor, Massage, Naturopath, Physiotherapy, Podiatrist, Psychology, Speech Language Pathologist and removing the per visit maximum for Chiropractor,  Massage, Naturopath, Physiotherapy, and Podiatrist;
2. Add Registered Clinical Counsellors and  Social Workers to Psychologist/Counselling Services under paramedical practitioner coverage;
3. Add Vaccine coverage excluding travel vaccines; 
4. Add Erectile Dysfunction Drugs;
5. Accept BlueRX^*;  and
6. Increase Hearing Aid maximum from $625 per 60 months to $1,100 in any three calendar years  for adults.   
   

*Blue RX is a customized drug plan based on a managed formulary. Plain and simple, a formulary is a list of covered drugs. It is called a “managed” formulary because drugs are reviewed to ensure they are both clinically and cost effective before they are added to the plan

The Blue RX drug plan provides you with safe, high quality prescription drugs at an affordable price while you, your plan sponsor, and Pacific Blue Cross work together to manage the rising cost of drug expenses. See attached document for more information. 

While these improvements are certainly exciting, I want to let you know that there will be a corresponding increase in the monthly premium for the extended health care benefits. The new premium rate will be effective starting April 1, 2023:

Members of Class 1 and Class 2 are required to pay 50% and 100%, respectively, of the rates listed below.

Please note that there is no change in the monthly premium for the dental benefits.

We understand that this change may impact your budget, and we want to assure you that we have taken into consideration the financial well-being of our retirees when making this decision.

Please take a moment to review the changes in coverage and the new premium rates. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Pension & Benefits office (pensions@sfu.ca). We will be more than happy to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding. We believe these improvements will provide you and your family with even greater support and security.

Steve An,
on behalf of Human Resources