New VAC Card

So whats the point in signing up online? Just so they can collect my email address and data?

OK some more info on the new VAC/Blue Cross card

1. Blue Cross was not 'contracted' by VAC to develop a mobile app for this program. So please don't get upset with the Blue Cross people. Call the NCCN and register your complaint that you want a mobile app for the new Blue Cross program.

2. That unique id# Blue Cross sends when you register is also the User Name when you log into the Blue Cross site.

Danny VAC assists veterans paying for living in retirement homes. The only Veteran retirement home I am aware of is Sunnybrook and it has limited beds. So that is what LTD non departmental institutions means.

Due to VAC getting raked over the coles about client security/privacy they no longer send out detailed information in bulk letters. They go generic all the time now so that is why there is a generic letter.

I know it is a generic letter, but you would think it would contain the correct information on it.  Letters like this are confusing to me, adding to the fact they do not provide accurate information on benefit you are receiving. Mistakes like this should not be occurring with the technology we have today. How come they can't even properly check off the correct boxes. What else are they forgetting to check off?

Thanks Teen, I am wondering what the "Long term care (LTC) Non Departmental Institutions (LTC VAC PPU 619)" is?

Danny the letter was a generic letter for all the different groups, vet, rcmp etc.

Rex this card contains the exact same info as your previous one. Just on the new card you go to the website to see your POC approvals.

As I said earlier nothing has changed when it comes to benefits. It's still the same.

The only thing that has changed? E payment for service providers. On line info for claims and finding registered service providers. Blue Cross/VAC is now in the 21st century.

VAC knows that to some of our older vets computers are just devils with buttons and they stay away from it. If you have a question about your benefits you can, and are encouraged, to call the NCCN. They will still take your calls and help you with your benefits.

Question? Long term care (LTC) Non Departmental Institutions (LTC VAC PPU 619) what is this?
And also
The boxes for RCMP superannuation act and the RCMP pension continuation act had an X in the square on my sheet, so maybe a typo IDK?

I could understand that IF this card actually contained some sort of information that the VAC client card didn't, other than a website. But it actually has less information on it than the old card. The only real difference with the new card, is the disclaimer on the back, that states that the service provider, Blue Cross and VAC can "collect and use relevant information about you, and disclose it to each other" without having to sign a disclosure of information form. The problem with this, is the possibility that it can be abused by VAC. They will now have carte blanche to contact any service provider (read doctor or specialists) and request any and all information regarding your file, at any time.

I think what has happened here is that BLUE CROSS has been updating the DVA clients and sent out a reminder booklet of how to , information , an online info that is available to clients , this to ensure that every Veteran has access to what is available to them , at the same time they issued us a new card which BTW cost very little to produce.

So for me , I welcome it.

Got this new card and don't understand why. So I registered no problem. Hell, I thought it had to do with a claim I'm waiting for!
And if I was confused, what about someone 80 years old.
The old card didn't expire, wear out, and it's still blue cross. Not like when they changed from green shield, or the older certificates made out of paper that would wear out.
And at least the old card had the poc names and numbers, handy to remember.
Whats next? A new new card with poppy picture?
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. pinger.

That what I thought too Navrat. Oh so... shiny shiny.
GoC/VAC should skip the shiny shyte and focus the money on more important priorities.

And the bottom of THAT list could have been to co-ordinate said card with a veterans picture I.D. card they keep thinking of.
A bigger bang for the buck. But NOOOoooo.... that would make too much sense.

Well myself and about dozen other advocates for years have been demanding e-banking and making it easier for Service Providers to get registered and deliver their items in a faster more effiecient manner to veterans for years.

I'm just happy that VAC Blue Cross is catching up to the 21st century!

I feel it's a government election ploy, Hey veterans you all get a shiny new blue cross card and a book full of the same benefits, it's all a game means nothing

I understand that Teen, but why do we need a new physical card that needs to be carried around? Every VAC client is already in receipt of a VAC client card, with your K#, as well as an easy reference, for not only the service provider, but the Veteran as well, as to what POC's they are entitled to. The online resource could easily have been rolled out, without having to issue these new cards, by simply allowing the service providers to access the site, using your K#.

Actually Rex this new card is going hand in hand (even though the new card is not required) with the new online billing for Service Providers to get paid electronically instead of by submitting, process claim, cut check to Service Provider system.

So the new card is for all the new vets in the future and the old vets too.

VAC is now online for ALL POC's

I agree with big rex the card is a waste of tax dollars every thing has to be approved anyway so what good is a card if i want a new heating pad it is easyier and less stressfull to go pay the $30 and go home if i want new braces i will go buy them no hassel and go home if i need something there is a reason and i am not waiting 1 month or 3 months to get it just dont need the fkn hassel. I have spent a total of about 500 dollars at my local pharmacy in 23yrs on items and the first time i tryed to claim a heating pad it was such a hassel never bothered trying to claim anything again. It is like the vip they kept sending the paperwork back because one date was not right  or this and that so i told them to shove the vip up their ass i was not filling out anymore paperwork and they called me back and told me i didnt have to that they would send it automatic twice a year. Just got no patience for bullsh  .