Starting Feb. 15, 2013, and over the next five years, eligible British Columbians between the ages of 19 and 74 will be required to replace their CareCard with the new BC Services Card by renewing their enrolment in the Medical Services Plan.
The current CareCard was introduced in 1989 and has not been significantly updated over the last 20 years. The new BC 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. The new card is more secure as it includes a photograph of the beneficiary, anti-forgery features, identity proofing and an expiry date. The card can also be combined with a driver’s licence and acts as photo ID- meaning one less card to carry.
To get a new BC Services Card, eligible British Columbians can simply enrol when renewing their driver’s licence. People who do not drive can still enrol at the nearest location where driver’s licences are issued.
Once a person enrols, they will be issued a new BC Services Card, or a combined card, and will need to re-enrol every five years.
To learn more, visit: www.bcservicescard.ca