CN PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION
Quebec Health Care Options
Effective January 1, 2022, the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners no longer offered health care coverage for Quebec pensioners under the age of 65. However, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) has advised that CN Quebec Pensioners under the age of 65 are eligible to join RAMQ's Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (RAMQ's Plan) as of January 1, 2022, which may provide significant premium savings to you.
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Why This Change
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In 2019, RAMQ reviewed the participation terms for the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners and thereafter revised the eligibility requirements to join RAMQ's Plan. Understanding the potential for premium savings under RAMQ's Plan, the CNPA decided to cancel access to the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners to allow unrestricted potential access to RAMQ's Plan. Of course, under provincial regulations, Quebec pensioners under age 65 cannot opt for RAMQ's Plan if they are eligible for another private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs.
About RAMQ's Plan and Rules
In Quebec, all residents are required to have prescription drug coverage. Coverage is available through RAMQ's Plan or through private group benefits plans provided by an employer or association. If you have access to a private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs, you must be covered by that plan. Your spouse and dependent children must also be covered by that plan if they are under 65. At age 65, all Quebecers are automatically registered for RAMQ's Plan, and you have the choice to be covered by that plan only, by a private group benefits plan that covers prescription drugs or a combination of both. RAMQ provides Comprehensive Drug Coverage - Lower Premiums - Premiums paid directly through income taxes
Joining RAMQ is easy. Registration can be completed by:
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Telephone at 1-800-561-9749, or
Online at http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/prescription-drug-insurance
What happens if I am over 65 when I retire or will be turning 65
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The Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners has been maintained and is available for those who are over age 65 where different rules apply. Eligible CN Pensioners and their spouses will have the option to join the Health Care Plan for CN Pensioners (or stay in the RAMQ's Plan at that time or both). This would be a one-time choice you will have to make when you reach age 65, and you should receive communication from CN Pension & Benefits Administration (1-800-361-0739) in advance of your 65th birthday or with your retirement package after 65.
To see the CNPA Health Care Plan coverage and Premium rates in advance, please see the information found elsewhere in the Health Care section.
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Optional Extended Health Care Coverage
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As RAMQ's Plan only covers prescription drugs that are listed on the RAMQ formulary, you may choose to buy an optional individual extended health care coverage available from various National or Quebec insurance providers to meet your additional needs. You may also click on these links to see examples of available optional coverage, but you may choose any insurance provider that meets your needs.
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Blue Cross Health -> Insurance for retirees and those planning retirement
Mercer Retiree Solutions -> Plan Overview - Rate Sheet - and to apply click here
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