A new provincial health card validation program began this month to encourage all Island residents to keep their personal health cards valid and with them at all times.
Through the new program, the Department of Health and Social Services is bumping up its efforts to increase the accuracy of health information, improve efficiency and reduce potential fraud in the health system.
More than 1,700 letters were mailed this month to Island households whose health cards expired in June. People are being asked to verify the information on their health cards. Upon verification, they will receive new personal health cards with extended expiry dates of five years.
Similar letters will be sent to Island households each month over the next three years. By May 2001, all cards will need to be updated every five years.
Provincial Medical Director Dr. Don Ling advised that it is very important to keep your personal health card up-to-date. "Presentation of a valid health card ensures that there is no interruption in service," he said.
The new mandatory validation program will also help to prevent potential fraud in the health system. "By preventing and reducing potential misuse of the cards, we are helping to ensure that health care resources are being used wisely," said Dr. Ling.
According to the Health Services Payment Act, people are required to report any changes in address or marital status to the Department within one month after the change occurs. People are asked to check their personal health cards for their expiry dates and possible changes in personal information. Cards may be updated by calling the Medicare Office: Charlottetown 368 5858, Montague 838 0900, all other areas
1 800 321 5492.