Your health
When you retire, health coverage with your employer ends
You can apply for extended health and dental coverage through your pension. This coverage may be different from the coverage you received from your employer. Read the booklet available from Pacific Blue Cross for details about what’s covered.
Health coverage through the Municipal Retiree Benefit Trust is not guaranteed. Benefit levels, including premiums, may be changed at any time by the Municipal Retiree Benefit Trust.
- Retirement health coverage: Learn more about eligibility, how to apply and the cost of premiums.
- Pacific Blue Cross MPP Resources: Get the facts about what’s covered by the plan’s extended health and dental coverage.
- About the Municipal Retiree Benefit Trust: Learn how group benefits are funded and managed.
Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) is the plan’s extended health and dental carrier
Pacific Blue Cross provides optional extended health care and dental coverage for you, your spouse and eligible dependants.
Sign in to PBC Member Profile to review and manage your coverage online.
- Pacific Blue Cross: Learn about Pacific Blue Cross, the plan’s health and dental carrier, and register for PBC Member Profile.
Enrolling in coverage after retirement
Extended health and dental coverage through the Municipal Retiree Benefit Trust is optional. However, if you don’t enrol in coverage when you start your pension, you may not be able enrol in the future. Review the eligibility rules before you decide about coverage.
- Don’t miss the boat on health and dental coverage: Learn about the eligibility rules when you apply for coverage after retirement.
Making changes to your coverage
After retirement, you may be able to:
- Add or remove coverage for your spouse or eligible dependants
- Cancel your coverage
- Upgrade your dental coverage
- Apply for or cancel coverage: Find out how to apply for or cancel coverage for you, your spouse and/or eligible dependants.
Managing your health in retirement
Take advantage of programs from the Government of BC to help you manage your health.
- HealthLink BC: Access reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia.
- Healthy Families BC: Explore “Aging Well” for tips to manage your health and reduce chronic disease.
- PharmaCare for B.C. Residents: Find out if you are eligible for a PharmaCare plan to cover some prescription drugs and medical supplies.
Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP)
To be eligible to enrol in extended health and dental coverage, you must be covered by MSP or your province’s public health insurance. Find out more about MSP, including how to enrol or update your information.