The federal government has initiated financial sanctions against Canada Life following prolonged complaints from public servants, retirees, and their families regarding medical claims processing delays.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) confirmed the imposition of financial consequences on Canada Life due to startup delays and service issues related to the transition of the public service health insurance plan.
Despite Canada Life’s assertion that early challenges have been resolved, concerns persist among members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAPSO), particularly regarding coverage outside Canada.
While subcontractor MSH International handles international claims, including emergency travel coverage, PSPC emphasizes that Canada Life remains accountable for overall service delivery.
Public servants, such as Sonia Rioux, have reported significant delays and discrepancies in claim processing, prompting frustration and calls for action from unions like PAFSO and PSAC.
Efforts are underway to explore legal remedies and grievances against the government, with demands for compensation for affected individuals.
Treasury Board President Anita Anand assures ongoing efforts to ensure Canada Life fulfills its contractual obligations and collaborates with MSH International to address service deficiencies.
Despite improvements in processing times and service quality, challenges persist, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and remedial actions to uphold the quality of healthcare plans for public servants and retirees.