If entitled to an immediate monthly superannuation benefit upon termination of employment, PSAC members may continue their coverage, as a pensioner, under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the applicable premiums will be deducted from monthly pension cheques. PSAC members not Some Useful Tips – Fifth Edition 2008 34 Retiring from the Public Service of Canada participating in the PSHCP as employees can elect to enroll as a pensioner and pay the appropriate premium. For residents of Quebec, the employer’s portion of PSHCP premiums is considered a taxable benefit and subject to Quebec income tax. Detailed information on current PSHCP premium rates and coverage for pensioners can be obtained by contacting the plan administrator (Sun Life Financial) at 1- 888-757-7427 (247-5100 in the National Capital Region) or by consulting the plan website.

For PSAC members participating in the PSHCP as employees, the PSHCP identifier number will remain the same as a pensioner.

In the event of a death of a PSHCP participant, coverage can continue for the eligible spouse and dependants.

If upon the date of retirement, the PSAC member opts for a deferred annuity, eligibility for PSHCP coverage can be re-established within 60 days of the commencement of the annuity benefit. In these situations, the PSAC advises that the application for renewal of PSHCP coverage be made well in advance of the start of deferred annuity payments in order to avoid a possible late application which requires an initial three-month waiting period.

The PSAC always recommends verifying that the PSHCP premium deductions from monthly superannuation cheques correspond to the appropriate level of coverage requested/required by the employee/pensioner.