BC

Residents of British Columbia between the ages of 19 and 74 will soon be required to replace their CareCard with the new BC Services Card, beginning February 14.

Photo: Contributed

A sample of the new BC Services Card has been posted to the Provincial Government's website.

The current CareCard was introduced in 1989 and has not been significantly updated in the past 20 years.

The new card will take advantage of recent technological advances and is said to be more secure – it will feature a photograph, anti-forgery features, identity proofing and a five-year expiry date.

The new card can also be combined with a driver’s license and acts as photo ID.

To get the new BC Services Card, residents can enroll in the Medical Services Plan over the next five years when they renew their driver’s license – residents who do not drive can still enroll at the nearest location where driver’s licenses are issued.

The Provincial Government first announced plans to roll out a replacement to the CareCard in 2011, when amendments to the Medicare Protection Act were implemented.