Care card slowly being absorbed into driver's license
You may be exempt from having to get the new B.C. Services Card.
The card which acts as both a Drivers License and CareCard, is not needed for those above age 75 or under the age 19, confirmed Ministry of Health media relations manager Ryan Jabs.
But those who don't fall under those age categories have five years starting Feb. 15 to get the card.
Government officials are pumped about getting the new plastic and its ramped up security in place.
"It will be much more secure and it will make it a lot easier for health care professionals as well," Jabs said noting the new card's main feature is photo identification, thus fighting fraudsters.
It also acts as a piece of ID for those who don't have a driver's license.
"The current CareCard was introduced in 1989 and has not been significantly updated over the last 20 years," a government press release states. "The new B.C. Services Card takes advantage of significant advances in technology since that time, to provide a more convenient and secure piece of identification with enhanced features to protect citizens' personal information."
Added features include an expiry date, anti-forgery features, a chip and a photograph (for adults).
Having a B.C. Services Card also automatically enrolls folks in the government Medical Services Plan, which, depending on the individual, means they may be entitled to health care services.
British Columbians can get their new card simply when they renew their drivers license.
That also means they'll be forking over the standard $75 fee to renew.
Those who don't have a driver's license but fall between the ages 19-75 pay will not have to pay a fee to get the card, explained Jabs.
For Cowichanians this can be done at the BC Access Centre on Duncan St.
Jabs figures they've got all the wrinkles smoothed out and doesn't anticipate many complaints come Feb. 15.
"People are generally very much looking forward to the new card," he said, noting surveys went out asking folks for feedback.
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