Change in prescription drug coverage goes into effect June 1 for NBA, FBA members

Despite BCNU's efforts to ensure that implementation of the PharmaCare tie-in for our drug plan reflects what was agreed at the nurses' bargaining table last year, the change in prescription drug coverage for members covered by the Nurses' and Facilities Bargaining Association contracts goes into effect June 1, with several issues yet to be resolved.

BCNU will continue to address these issues and is prepared to take legal action if necessary.

The union will be conducting a member survey to determine the extent of problems experienced from the change.

Earlier this year BCNU convinced the Health Employers Association of BC to delay implementation which was supposed to begin February 1, 2013.

The delay followed numerous reports of problems brought to our attention by members. Several members were also upset BCNU sent notice of the change just a few days before it was scheduled to take effect. But the notice from BCNU came only because the employer failed to fulfil its own responsibilities to communicate the changes to members.

Many member problems resulted from poor co-ordination between Pacific Blue Cross and PharmaCare. Several of those problems have been resolved.

To address other outstanding issues BCNU has proposed several solutions including:

• a member vote on whether to revert to previous drug coverage in return for a give-back of one percent of the 3 percent April 1, 2103 wage increase
• a further delay to September 2013 and
• a delay to July 1, with BCNU covering the extra costs.

HEABC has refused those suggestions. At this point all they're prepared to do is help members in certain circumstances get special authority for coverage of non-benefit drugs they are already taking. At the same time HEABC has not acknowledged any wrong-doing.

Please address any questions or concerns to pharmacare@bcnu.org.